Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and his visiting Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi agreed Thursday to take measures to enhance bilateral ties.

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman (R) and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi hold a joint press conference after their meeting in Jerusalem, April 23, 2009. [Yin Bogu/Xinhua]

During a meeting in Jerusalem between Yang and Lieberman, who is also Israel's deputy prime minister, the two leaders agreed to strengthen the contacts in different fields and at different levels.

The two sides vowed to enhance economic cooperation, promote nongovernmental exchanges and push for sound development of bilateral friendship.

During the meeting, Yang and Lieberman also exchanged views on the Middle East issue.

On Thursday, Yang met in Tel Aviv with Tzipi Livni, chairwoman of Kadima party, which is now the biggest opposition party.

Earlier in the day, the Chinese foreign minister met in Jerusalem respectively with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Yang is currently on a five-leg visit, which has taken him to Egypt and the Palestinian territories. He will also visit Syria and Russia.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2009)