China on Saturday welcomed the meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, saying it will help promote peace in South Asia.

"The Chinese side welcomes the latest development in the Pakistan-India relationship," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

On Friday, Modi stopped in Pakistan on his way to New Delhi from a visit to Afghanistan. During Modi's surprise visit, the two prime ministers met at Sharif's residence.

It was Modi's first visit to Pakistan and the first by an Indian prime minister in more than a decade.

Lu said Pakistan and India were important countries in South Asia, and the improvement of their relationship would be significant to regional peace, stability and development.

"As the common neighbour and friend of both Pakistan and India, China is happy to see and will support, as always, Pakistan and India to enhance mutual trust and achieve common development through continuous dialogue," said the spokesman.(Agencies)