国内英语新闻:China eyes improved ties between two Sudans

BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday welcomed an agreement reached between Sudan and South Sudan, calling on the two countries to keep on improving their relationship.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular press briefing that China appreciates the two sides' "flexible and pragmatic attitude, as well as the unremitting efforts made by the international community, especially the African Union, to this end."

Hong made the remarks while commenting on South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit's visit to Sudan, during which the two sides agreed on the continuation of the South's oil flow through Sudan's territories.

They also agreed to develop their ties in the common interests of the two countries.

"We have noticed the visit and welcomed their agreement," Hong said, adding China hoped the two countries would use the visit as an opportunity to continue to improve and develop their relationship.

As a friend of both countries, China always actively pushes forward negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan to solve their disputes, Hong said.

According to the spokesman, China has met with the special envoy of the South Sudan president and foreign minister of Sudan respectively, and has sent its special representative on African affairs to visit the region on three occasions since June.

"China will continue to work with the international community to promote the improvement and progress of the relationship between Sudan and South Sudan, and play a positive role in this regard," Hong said.

In September 2012, Sudan and South Sudan signed a package of cooperation agreements to end the tension since their separation in 2011, resume export of the South's oil through Sudan and immediately cease supporting any support for the rebels across the joint border.