UNITED NATIONS - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that China hoped to see an early launch of international verification and destruction of the Syrian chemical weapons and an early end to the Syrian crisis.

Wang made the statement when he was meeting with Walid Muallem, Syrian deputy prime minister and foreign minister, on the sidelines of the annual high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, which entered its fourth day here Friday.

Highlights of FM's speech at UN:  China to firmly fulfill due int'l responsibilities, obligations  China to advance reform, opening up, sustainable development  China to stick to peaceful development  China calls for greater voice of developing countries in global governance system China urges early adoption of UN resolution on Syria's chemical weapons

"China would like to see that with support and cooperation from the Syrian government, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons can launch the verification and destruction of the Syrian chemical weapons at an early date," Wang said.

"At the same time, the international community should promote the process of a political solution to the Syrian issue, including the early convocation of the Geneva II Conference on the Syrian issue so that all the parties concerned can decide through consultation a transition program which is acceptable to all," he said.

Wang said that China, in addressing the Syrian issue, steadfastly safeguards the purposes of the UN Charter and basic principles of international law.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety and security of the Chinese citizens in Syria, and it is hoped that the Syrian government will take relevant effective steps in this regard, Wang said.

"China follows the humanitarian situation in Syria with great concern, and will continue to provide assistance within our means, " he said.

Muallem briefed Wang of the latest development in the situation of Syria and said that it is the Syrian government's bounden duty to ensure security and safety of the Chinese citizens in his country.