Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing talked over phone with Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismail on Tuesday, according to sources with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Ismail briefed Li on the latest development of the Darfur crisis in Sudan, saying the Sudanese government had improved the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur with the assistance of the African Union and League of Arab States.

The Sudanese side appreciated China's humanitarian assistance and would continue to fulfill its relevant commitments, said Ismail.

Li and Ismail agreed on further communication and coordination, and expected a proper solution to the Darfur crisis at an early date.

Through the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, Li also sent an oral message on the Darfur issue to his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Kasuri on Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency August 25, 2004)