The international society should respect Myanmar's sovereignty and promote political dialogue to restore peace and stability in Myanmar, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said on Monday when meeting with UN Secretary-General's special envoy on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer.

Qin said that China, more than any other country, hopes Myanmar can achieve stable development as it's a close neighbor, but the background of the Myanmar issue is complex and there is no quick fix to its problems. The international society should respect Myanmar's sovereignty, support all parties in Myanmar to bridge differences and restart the political transition process through political dialogue under the constitutional and legal framework, Qin noted.

He added that the international society should respect mediation efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and promote the implementation of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus, which includes immediate end of violence, dialogue among parties, humanitarian assistance and the bloc's special envoy to Myanmar.

"We need to act prudently and pragmatically to prevent escalating tensions and spillover of the crisis," Qin said. He added that China is willing to provide support and help to Heyzer's mediation efforts.

Heyzer agreed that the resolution of the Myanmar issue should be led by Myanmar and the will of its people should be respected. She said that dialogue can't change the past, but can make a difference in the future. The UN stands for achieving peace and security in Myanmar through dialogue, promoting common development and prosperity in the region, while respecting and safeguarding human rights. The UN also supports ASEAN in playing an active role in this regard, Heyzer added.

She expressed appreciation for China's role in promoting the settlement of the Myanmar issue and hopes that China will continue to make positive contributions to Myanmar's peace, stability and development.