BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday urged South Sudan and Sudan to maintain calm and restraint and resolve differences through negotiation.

Hu made the remarks when holding talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit in Beijing.

China has been developing friendly and cooperative relations with South Sudan and Sudan in the spirit of mutual respect and treating each other as equals, he said.

Hu said he hopes that South Sudan and Sudan would adhere to a peaceful path based on the fundamental interests of both people and the overall situation of regional peace.

He called on South Sudan and Sudan to respect each other's sovereignty,maintain calm and restraint, and properly resolve differences through negotiation on the basis of mutual understanding and mutual accommodation.

Hu also urged the two sides to cooperate with the mediation efforts of the international community and end armed conflict on their borders.

"China sincerely hopes that South Sudan and Sudan will become good neighbors and partners that can live in harmony and realize common development," according to Hu.

Kiir briefed Hu on South Sudan's position and its current relations with Sudan.

Noting that South Sudan is committed to resolving disputes through negotiation, Kiir said his country will try to ease tensions and reach a package of agreements with Sudan, in order to achieve peaceful coexistence.

He also called for assistance and support from the international community, including China.

Kiir is paying a state visit to China from April 23 to 28 at the invitation of President Hu.