China welcomed on Friday the signing of a deal between Libya's rival parties to form a UN-backed interim government in the country.

Spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hong Lei described the deal, signed in the Moroccan city of Skhirat, as an important step for the political dialogue in Libya.

He hoped that all Libyan feuding parties would close ranks to achieve desirable reconciliation and restore their country's security.

China will continue to support the political dialogue in Libya, Hong said.

He also praised efforts exerted by the UN on that score.

Sources: MENA