UNITED NATIONS – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday called for the advancement of negotiations between the United States and Iran.

China has been making efforts to resolve the current conflict, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told reporters after he presided over a high-level open debate of the Security Council on upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system.

China has maintained communication and coordination with the main parties involved, as well as important regional and international partners, said Wang.

"We believe that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries in the region must be respected, that civilian and non-military targets must be protected, that the security of passages and energy infrastructure must be safeguarded, and that the provisions of the nuclear non-proliferation regime must be implemented," he said.

ALSO READ: Chinese foreign minister calls for revitalizing, strengthening UN

The key issue concerning the Iran situation is the negotiations between Washington and Teheran, he said.

"We support the active mediation by Pakistan and other countries, and also support efforts made by the US and Iran, respectively," said Wang.

A longstanding issue cannot be resolved overnight, Wang said. However, every step forward in the negotiations brings more hope for peace, he said, adding that the earlier the conflict ends, the fewer civilian casualties there will be.

"We hope that the parties concerned can stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and continue to meet each other halfway, so that peace can return to the Middle East as early as possible," Wang said.

Durable ceasefire needed

During a meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Wang called for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in the Gulf region.

Wang said that China, as a good friend and partner of Gulf countries, sincerely hopes that the Gulf region and the Middle East will return to peace and tranquility at an early date.

The conflcit, which should not have happened in the first place, has no reason to drag on, said Wang.

READ MORE: China's top diplomat calls for supporting and revitalizing UN

"The top priority is to push for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire," said the top Chinese diplomat. "The international community should double its efforts to promote peace and jointly work toward de-escalation, and in particular, oppose actions that fan the flames or escalate tensions."

China supports the mediation efforts of Pakistan and other countries and is ready to coordinate closely with Bahrain and other Security Council members to ensure that the council remains on the right track toward a political settlement and to make joint efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East, Wang said.

Zayani said his country appreciates China's active efforts to promote a ceasefire and peace in the Middle East and the Gulf region and hopes that China can play a greater role.