Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki exchanged views over the phone Friday on promoting further development of bilateral relations in 2009 and international and regional issues of common concern.

On the situation in the Gaza Strip, Yang said China is seriously concerned and deeply worried about the grave humanitarian crisis caused by the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

China has made unremitting efforts to promote adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a relevant resolution on Gaza, Yang said.

He said China welcomes and supports U.N. Security Council Resolution 1860 and urges all the parties concerned to fully honor the resolution, cease fire immediately, ensure smooth operation of humanitarian assistance and promote an early relaxation of the humanitarian crisis taking place in Gaza.

China has always proposed that the issue of Palestine be resolved through political negotiation on the basis of related U.N. resolutions, the "Land for Peace" principle and the Arab Peace Initiative, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2009)