GENEVA - China's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, or UNOG, Ma Zhaoxu on Wednesday met UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan De Mistura, urging a balanced and sustainable settlement of the crisis in Syria.

The two sides exchanged views on the ongoing Syrian peace talks. Ma said that China pays great attention to the Syria issue and highly values De Mistura's efforts in promoting the peace talks, which have already shown a positive momentum.

Ma called on all parties involved in the talks to seize the opportune time and find a sustainable political settlement that benefits the Syrian people and takes into account of the interests and concerns of all parties.

China advocates political settlement as the only solution to the Syria issue, has actively promoted peace talks, and provided humanitarian aid to Syria and its surrounding countries, Ma said.

China will work together with the international community to play a constructive role in addressing the Syria issue, he added.

De Mistura briefed Ma on the progress of the ongoing political transition in Syria, and stressed China's important role in solving the Syria issue.

China has made active contribution to promoting peace talks, helped ease the Syrian humanitarian situation, as well as maintained peace and stability in Syria, said the envoy.

He also hailed China's unbiased and fair stance towards the Syria issue.

De Mistura also thanked China for supporting his work, and expressed the hope that China could continue to play a constructive role in the political settlement of the Syria crisis.