(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-25 06:34

KHARTOUM -- Sudanese Foreign Minister Deng Alor Sunday said China is very much welcome in helping the country find a solution to the Darfur issue.

China is not directly involved in the Darfur conflict, but as a partner, "China is using its good relations with Sudan to help it solve the Darfur issue," Alor told reporters after a 40-minute meeting with Liu Guijin, the Chinese government's special representative for Darfur.

"There is a perception in the West that China is helping Sudan, whether directly or indirectly, (do something) against the Darfur region. And I think it is the responsibility of our government and China to change that perception," said the top Sudanese diplomat.

"China is not here to help Sudan in a way that will prompt the Darfur conflict to continue. China is here to help Sudan in issues regarding economic developments. China is here to help build Sudan, and China is engaged in business not only in the oil sector, but also other sectors," Alor said.

Commenting on some Western organizations' threat to boycott the Beijing Olympic Games, Alor said, "What they should do is to solve the Darfur issue in a right direction, instead of putting more pressure on China."

Alor expected the Beijing Olympic Games to be a success despite the pressure on China over Darfur.

The minister also reiterated that Sudan is willing to improve relations with Western countries and work with the international community to find a quick solution to the Darfur conflict.

After talks, Liu told reporters that they had had a good discussion on the Darfur issue and its settlement.

China is ready to further cooperation with Sudan, the United Nations, the African Union, regional countries and all parties concerned to find a long-term and proper solution to the Darfur issue, said the Chinese envoy.

Liu said the peacekeeping task conducted by the hybrid U.N. and African Union (AU) force in Darfur has already achieved some progress, which is largely neglected by the Western media.

The envoy said people in Darfur have suffered too long, urging all parties involved in the conflict to find a quick solution.

"We need a quick solution. We need the conflict in Darfur to end sooner," he said.

Liu also held consultations with Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary Mutrif Siddig.

After a trip to Britain, Liu arrived here Sunday for a four-day visit, the fourth since his appointment on May 10, 2007.

The former Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe and South Africa has been engaged in African affairs for more than 25 years. During his previous missions, Liu shuttled between the United States, Britain, Egypt and other countries concerned to seek support for a solution to the Darfur issue.