Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary of General of the United Nations (UN), said China has become an important world intermediator and is playing a more and more important role in international affairs,.

Ghali made the remark in reply to reporter's questions in a joint interview with Chinese media Saturday in Beijing.

The former Secretary of General said it is very hard to play an intermediator to help solve the complicated and sometimes even conflicting international disputes, expressing his appreciation to China's constructive role played in the Korean nuclear issue and the two rounds of six-party talks.

The key factor to the peaceful solution of the Korean nuclear issue is how strong of the political will that the concerned parties hold, Ghali said, noting that the process is now still facing many difficulties and challenges.

Ghali pointed out that international community is too eager to see positive results from the six-party talks, which is, however, in his view, may takes years after years to bear fruits.

What is the most important thing to promote the six-party talks mechanism is patience, Ghali stressed.

Ghali was here to attended an International Seminar on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence held as scheduled from June 14 to 15.

The Five Principles, initiated by China, India and Myanmar in 1954, include mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.

Ghali said the Five Principles had been gradually accepted by the international community and become fundamental rules in dealing with state-to-state relations.

He said he believes, under the new circumstance, the Principles would have a new life and further develop, Ghali added.