BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- China Thursday called on parties involved in the Cote d'Ivoire crisis to solve disputes and differences through dialogue.

"We appreciate the positive efforts of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote a peaceful settlement of the Cote d'Ivoire crisis," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

Cote d'Ivoire has been in political crisis after both incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and his rival Alassane Ouattara claimed victory in the presidential run-off of Nov. 28.

The AU and the ECOWAS have sent a joint five-member high-level delegation to the Cote d'Ivoire to seek a peaceful resolution to the country's political crisis.

Hong said peacefully settling the crisis is in the common interests of west African countries. He urged the parties involved in the crisis "to settle differences, achieve political reconciliation, and maintain national peace and stability through consultation."