BEIJING -- China on Friday welcomed a nationwide ceasefire agreement signed by the Syrian government and major opposition groups Thursday, adding that implementation of the ceasfire was of key importance.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a press briefing.

She said China supports the positive efforts made by concerned parties in reaching the truce.

The agreement, brokered by Russia and Turkey and agreed upon by the Syrian government and major opposition groups, came into force at midnight local time Thursday, as the latest attempt to end nearly six years of civil war.

Hua stressed that the ceasefire is an important guarantee for pushing forward a political settlement to the Syrian crisis.

It will also help ease humanitarian tension and step up the fight against terrorism in Syria, she added.

China hopes the Syrian government and major opposition groups will seriously implement the truce, said Hua, calling on other opposition groups to join the agreement as soon as possible.

China hopes that all parties can resolve their concerns through peaceful means and finally reach a political solution that will help stabilize Syria and benefit the Syrian people, she said.