BEIJING, March 6 -- China on Friday welcomed a peace agreement signed between the Mali government and rebel groups last week, calling for an early restoration of peace in the African country.

"We appreciate and support the efforts of the international community, especially of the Algerian government, to resolve the Mali crisis and realize peace and stability in the region," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, referring to the deal signed in the Algerian capital of Algiers on Sunday. The United Nations-brokered deal seeks to end decades of violent uprisings in northern Mali.

Algeria has been working to mediate the peace talks since July, and negotiations have been held in the country since September.

"Meanwhile, we hope all sides in Mali will bear in mind the overall situation, safeguard the nation's unity and sovereign integrity, and grasp the opportunity to achieve peace, stability and development of the nation as soon as possible," Hua added.