KHARTOUM: Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir told visiting Special Envoy and Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun on Sunday that his country accepted former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan's Darfur plan in principle.

Sudan is eager to restore peace and stability in the region, Al-Bashir said.

The two leaders exchanged views on the Darfur issue, bilateral relations and other matters after Al-Bashir received Zhai in Khartoum on the third day of his four-day official visit to Sudan.

Speaking earlier, Zhai had said he hoped Sudan would be more flexible on Annan's plan, improve the humanitarian and security situations in Darfur and expedite the political peace process.

The successful state visit by President Hu Jintao to Sudan in February has boosted Sino-Sudanese ties, Zhai said, adding that China is willing to continue its constructive role to restore peace, stability and development in Darfur as soon as possible.

Speaking highly of the cooperation and friendship with China, the Sudanese president said his government was willing to hold further talks with the UN and the African Union on the implementation of the Annan plan.

It is ready, too, to intensify contacts with all the parties involved in the peace process.

Zhai and his delegation arrived in Khartoum on Friday. On Sunday, the Chinese special envoy also held a meeting with Sudanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Ahmed Kerti.

He visited Darfur on Saturday and met with the region's officials, inspected three refugee camps and talked to the inmates.

Zhai visited Al-Fashir and Nyala in western Sudan, where he held meetings with North Darfur Governor Osman Mohammed Yousef Kibir and South Darfur Governor Al-Haj Ata al-Manan.

On the part of the Chinese government, Zhai appreciated the positive efforts of the Sudanese government, the African Union and the United Nations in maintaining stability in Darfur and pushing forward the political process.

The Chinese government is deeply concerned over the Darfur issue and has provided humanitarian assistance and materials to the region, he said.

Xinhua

(China Daily 04/10/2007 page2)