China, Israel vow to further deepen cooperation

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday held talks with his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres, calling for tangible progress in Israel-Palestine peace talks at an early date.

The Chinese people and the Jewish people have got along with each other, said Xi during their talks in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing. Especially during WWII, the two peoples supported each other and commonly opposed Fascism and militarism, he said.

Highlighting that the two nations have a sound political relationship and have cooperated substantially since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, Xi said China is willing to continue high-level exchanges with Israel and to set up an inter-governmental mechanism of economic and technological cooperation as soon as possible.

He called on both sides to enhance cooperation in areas such as agriculture, energy, environmental protection, education, medical treatment and innovation.

"We have full confidence in the China-Israel relationship," Xi said.

For his part, Peres said the peace-loving Chinese people follow their own path of development and have scored remarkable achievements. Expressing the hope that Israel would strengthen friendship with China, he said realization of the Chinese dream would surely create opportunities for world peace and development.

On the Israel-Palestine peace talks, Xi said the talks have entered a crucial phase with chances and difficulties coexisting. China hopes that the Israeli side can take the whole picture of peace into consideration, show strategic wisdom and make brave decisions to work for tangible results at an early date. China will make a constructive contribution to the peace talks as always, he said.

Peres said Israel is willing to make joint efforts with Palestine and the international community to conquer the difficulties and push forward the peace talks. He added that Israel welcomes China to continue to play an important role of promoting peace.

Peres is here for a state visit from Tuesday to Thursday.