BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mualem met here Wednesday morning.

At the beginning session of the meeting, Yang said the Chinese side placed great importance on Mualem's visit.

"Today, we can exchange opinions on the latest situation of Syria in a broad and extensive way," Yang said.

Mualem is in Beijing for a working visit to China at the invitation of Yang.

Yang expressed welcome to Mualem, saying he expected to exchange views with the Syrian Foreign Minister also on a number of major regional and international issues.

"I belief that your visit will produce positive results," Yang said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin said Tuesday that China held an objective and impartial stance on the Syria issue.

He told a regular press briefing that China had always kept contact with the Syrian government and the opposition in an active effort to realize reconciliation through negotiations.

Liu said the invitation of Mualem to China was part of the country's effort to this end.

Liu said Syrian opposition leaders would visit China in the near future.

"The Chinese side is ready to play an active and constructive role in resolving the Syria issue in a fair, peaceful and appropriate way," Liu said.