A Chinese envoy has said that Syria's political process must be accelerated, while reiterating that unilateral sanctions against the war-scarred country must be lifted immediately.

The parties concerned should actively and pragmatically participate in and advance the inclusive political dialogue within the framework of (the Syrian) Constitutional Committee. 

Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN

"The political process must be accelerated. This is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in Syria," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, on Wednesday told the Security Council's open videoconference on the political situation in Syria.

"The parties concerned should actively and pragmatically participate in and advance the inclusive political dialogue within the framework of (the Syrian) Constitutional Committee."

The UN should play its role as the main channel for mediation toward a "Syrian-led, Syrian-owned" political process while the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria be safeguarded, he said.

Speaking about the preparations for the third round meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, following a briefing by UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen to the council, Geng said:"We call on all parties to demonstrate political will and bridge differences through dialogue and consultation, so that the meeting could go smoothly and achieve positive results.

"China appreciates the active support from Russia and other countries to the UN-led process through their own efforts."

On security in Syria, Geng said that it "should be substantially improved".

"There are still a large number of terrorists and extremists in the Idlib region, launching frequent attacks and harming civilians," he said. "All parties must stick to a unified standard and strengthen coordination in counterterrorism actions."

ALSO READ: Chinese envoy: Syria's political process must be accelerated

Efforts by Russia, Turkey

Referring to the efforts of Russia and Turkey, Geng said the two countries conducted regular joint patrols along the M4 highway in recent months in accordance with an agreement, "which helped to maintain the overall cease-fire in northwest Syria".

Reiterating China's consistent position on Syria, Geng said that "unilateral sanctions against Syria must be lifted immediately".

"Unilateral sanctions have seriously undermined the livelihoods of the Syrian people and caused great harm to civilians, especially women and children," he said."We urge relevant countries to heed the repeated appeals by the secretary-general and his special envoy."

Instead of imposing new illegal sanctions, those countries should immediately lift existing unilateral sanctions against Syria and take concrete actions to improve the humanitarian situation on the ground, the envoy said.

"China attaches great importance to the humanitarian situation in Syria and sympathizes with the sufferings of the Syrian people," he said.

"We have provided, through bilateral and multilateral channels, a large amount of humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies to combat COVID-19, to people in Syria and refugees outside the country. China will continue to support and assist the Syrian people according to what they need."

On the economic situation, Geng said that "more efforts should be made to help Syria with economic reconstruction."

READ MORE: China calls for greater relief to Syria

"This is the urgent need of the Syrian people, and the foundation for sustainable development and durable peace of Syria," he said.

"China will undoubtedly make its contribution in this regard."

Xinhua contributed to this story.