China strongly condemns the suicide bombing in Jerusalem, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan in Beijing Wednesday.

Tuesday's suicide bombing in Jerusalem resulted in over 20 deaths and more than 100 injuries.

China strongly condemned the suicidal explosion aiming at innocent civilians, and extends sympathy to the families of the victims, said Kong.

The incident goes against the peace efforts made by Palestine and Israel, and China called on relevant parties to stop all violence immediately and return to political negotiation to resolve disputes, Kong said. 

The spokesman announced Hungarian Prime Minister Medgyessy Peter will pay a working visit to China from Aug. 27 to Aug. 30, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Kong also announced Fredrick Mitchell, minister of foreign affairs and public service of the Bahamas, will pay an official visit to China from Aug. 27 to 30, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency, August 21, 2003)