The Sudanese government on Sunday welcomed China's decision to appoint a special representative for African affairs, stressing that it would be helpful for solving the Darfur crisis in Sudan.

Ali al-Sadig, the spokesman of the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters that the appointment of the Chinese envoy for Africa was a positive addition to efforts of the two countries to settle Darfur issue.

He added that the envoy was for the entire Africa and the Darfur issue would be one of the issues of his mission. China announced on May 10 the appointment of a special representative for African affairs, a measure that analysts say shows China is trying to exert more influence in the region.

Liu Guijin, a 61-year-old veteran diplomat, was appointed to the post. China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said that Liu would initially focus on Darfur as the region continues to attract international concern.

Appreciating the distinguished relations between Khartoum and Beijing, Al-Sadik urged for continuing coordination between the two countries through the joint ministerial committee and the joint political consultation committee.

He said that the two sides maintained consultations on the political and economic issues especially the Darfur issue.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2007)