Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem on Wednesday expressed appreciation over China's just stance over the Middle East issues.

Muallem made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Chinese envoy on the Middle East issues Sun Bigan, in which the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in the region.

Muallem said Syria would stick to its choice for peace and restore its occupied Golan Heights and resolve the disputes with Israel through negotiations in efforts to make further contribution to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East.

For his part, Sun said China has insistently called for negotiations between all concerning parties in the Middle East to solve their disputes and realize a peaceful coexistence between Israel and the Arab countries on the basis of relative UN resolutions, the land-for-peace principle and the Arab peace initiatives.

China supports Syria's legitimate right to restore the occupied Golan and hopes that Syria and Israel would restart talks on a nearly date, which would contribute to a comprehensive solution to the Middle East issues and peace and stability in the region, Sun added.

China is willing to play a constructive role in restarting negotiations between Syria and Israel as early as possible and achieving a just and lasting peace in the region in cooperation with all concerned parties, the envoy said.

Sun, who arrived here on Tuesday for a three-day visit, also held a meeting with Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad earlier in the day.

(Xinhua News Agency December 27, 2007)