BEIJING - China welcomes the "positive outcomes" achieved during Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna's visit to Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Monday.

India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia, and their relationship is crucial to improving regional peace, stability and development, Hong said at a regular news briefing.

As a friend and neighbor of India and Pakistan, China will continue to support the two countries to properly resolve their disputes and achieve mutual development through dialogue and cooperation, he said.

Krishna arrived in Islamabad on Friday for a three-day visit to push forward the peace process and boost people-to-people contact. During his visit, both countries signed the historic liberalized visa regime that will promote people-to-people contact between the two countries.

They also reaffirmed their strong commitment to fighting terrorism in an effective and comprehensive manner. They expressed satisfaction at the outcome of their talks and said Pakistan and India have reiterated that they will resolve all issues peacefully and build a relationship of trust.