China, Israel vow to enhance bilateral ties

JERUSALEM, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu on Wednesday held talks with Israeli President Shimon Peres, both vowing to further promote bilateral relations.

Hui conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao to Peres.

The friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have reached profound achievements in politics, economy, culture, science and technology and many other areas since the establishment of diplomatic ties 18 years ago, Hui said. He stressed that promoting Sino-Israeli relations agrees with the long-term interests of the two countries and peoples.

China is willing to join hands with Israel to expand bilateral exchanges, consolidate political friendship, complement each other with respective advantages and deepen cooperation in various fields, especially agriculture, science and technology, the Chinese vice premier said. Moreover, China is willing to enhance cultural and non-governmental contact, so as to give a sustained impetus to the progress of bilateral relations, he added.

Peres asked his guest to convey warm greetings to his Chinese counterpart, highlighting the friendly feelings of the Israeli people towards the Chinese people.

Noting that China has become one of the world's largest economies in a relatively short period and that the Chinese government is making enormous efforts to build a harmonious society, eliminate poverty and improve the living conditions of the Chinese people, and is also attaching great importance to agricultural production and food safety, Peres said that the Israeli government and people admire China's accomplishments and ambitions.

Israel and China have huge potential for cooperation in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, science and technology, and Israel is willing to expand its scope of cooperation with China and further advance bilateral ties, the Israeli leader said.

Later in the day, Hui also met with Israeli Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya'alon, during which the two sides agreed to further strengthen the friendly cooperation between the two countries in trade, agriculture, science and technology, culture, tourism and other areas.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Middle East issues, and Hui reaffirmed the principles and positions of the Chinese government on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

During his stay in Israel, Hui also visited a number of agricultural projects in an Israeli kibbutz and attended a signing ceremony of cooperation documents between Chinese and Israeli firms.