Chinese vice premier pledges closer relations with Israel
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Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak in Beijing Tuesday, to discuss bilateral ties.
Li hailed the healthy growth of China-Israel relations over the years, citing frequent political exchanges, enhanced trade links and agriculture and technology cooperation, as well as increasing people-to-people contacts.
Calling military cooperation an important part of the cooperation between the two countries, Li suggested the two countries' armed forces further enhance understanding, learn from each other and share helpful experiences.
He vowed joint efforts with Israel to consolidate traditional friendship, deepen cooperation in various areas, and promote even greater achievements of bilateral relations.
"The Middle East issue has long been a hot topic of the world," Li said, adding the recent unrest in West Asia and North Africa had added new and complicated factors for the efforts to advance the Middle East peace process.
He said China consistently advocates that all parties involved should follow relevant UN resolutions and settle disputes and divergence through peaceful means such as diplomatic negotiations.
"We will continue to firmly support the Middle East peace process, and are willing to work with all parties concerned and to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability of the Middle East," Li added.
In response, Barak said the two countries enjoy a profound history and had made important contributions to human civilization.
Barack said the Israeli people have always had a friendly feeling toward the Chinese people, and admired China for its great achievements in economic development in recent years.
While expressing appreciation of China's positive role on the Middle East issue and thanking China for doing so, Barak hoped that Israel would expand friendly cooperation with China in areas ranging from politics, economy, agriculture, science and technology, to the military field.
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