China has appointed Xue Bing, former ambassador to Papua New Guinea, as special envoy for Horn of Africa affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin announced at a regular briefing on Tuesday.

Wang said China, as a friend of countries in the Horn of Africa, is always committed to promoting peace, stability and development in the region.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed the "Initiative of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa" during his tour of three African nations at the beginning of the year.

The initiative is aimed at supporting countries in the region to achieve long-term stability, prosperity and development in an independent way, the spokesman said, adding China is ready to play a constructive role in this endeavor.

Being a veteran diplomat, Xue has worked in various countries in Africa, the Americas and Oceania.

The special envoy would establish working relations with colleagues in a timely manner and maintain close communication and coordination with them on implementing the "Initiative of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa", Wang said.