BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes efforts by neighbors Pakistan and Afghanistan in improving ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Monday in Beijing.

Lu's comment came after the two countries agreed that the first round of dialogue between Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China will be held in January to lay out a comprehensive roadmap for peace, as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani met with Pakistan's Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Sunday in Kabul.

"This is conducive to restarting the reconciliation process in Afghanistan and will contribute to regional stability," Lu said, adding that China is open to any proposal that contribute to Afghanistan's peace and reconciliation.

He also said that China backs the "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" reconciliation process and is willing to continue playing a constructive role and maintaining contact and coordination with all sides.