Updated

China's foreign minister has pledged support for talks aimed at reunifying ethnically divided Cyprus, saying his country welcomes progress made in negotiations so far.

Wang Yi said after talks with his Cypriot counterpart Monday that China would continue to play a constructive role in supporting talks.

Wang's visit follows recent trips to Cyprus by his counterparts from the U.S., Russia and Britain as peace talks gather pace.

Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup aiming at union with Greece.

Cyprus wants the United Nations Security Council to ensure the adoption of any peace accord and to oversee its implementation.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said "there's understanding" from China on this, but that Security Council members will determine the body's post-solution role after consultations.