A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called on Sudan and South Sudan to engage in dialogue and cooperation for a political settlement of the Abyei-related issues.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting, Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, expressed the hope that the conflict in the area will end as soon as possible.
The Chinese envoy also called on Sudan and South Sudan to continue dialogue and cooperation for the relaunching of the political process so as to lay a foundation for the final settlement of the issues.
"We call on all parties to boost their assistance to Abyei, particularly in the development and construction of sectors involving farming and animal husbandry, medical and health services, education and training, infrastructure, and disaster prevention and mitigation, so as to effectively improve the economic and living conditions in the Abyei area, thus laying a sound foundation for easing tensions and promoting long-term peace and stability," said Dai.
Abyei, a territory contested by Sudan and South Sudan, covers an area of about 10,000 square kilometers and is rich in oil resources, making it strategically important.
In 2011, the UN Security Council established the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to monitor the Abyei border.
China calls for political settlement of Abyei-related issues between Sudan, South Sudan
China calls for political settlement of Abyei-related issues between Sudan, South Sudan
China calls for political settlement of Abyei-related issues between Sudan, South Sudan
A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.
The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.
"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.
The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.
"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.
"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.
Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.
This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.
Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit
