Three years ago, CCTV correspondent Stephanie Freid spoke to Shimon Peres. He spoke about the then peace process, Israel's relationship with China and his future plans.

 2013 CCTV interview with Peres

Q1. You've been described as an eternal optimist. You're also a perennial believer in peace between Israelis and Palestinians. You received the Nobel Peace prize for your part in fostering the Oslo agreement. Now, decades later, I'm curious as to what you think the key ingredients are to moving the sides back together again to a lasting peace agreement"

A1. You'd be surprised but I shall tell you: overcoming the exaggerated skepticism which has spread all over the place. I think the real problems are rather psychological than political. And I think we have to bring back trust and faith and optimism. History's a story of optimists because history doesn't have a reverse. Reverse is being guarded for the pessimists.

Q2. Do you feel that China, with its unique political perspective, could perhaps broker a deal between the sides where other countries have not been able to?

A2. China is in a leading position and not in-between position and China has its own agenda which is great and promising and demanding. I know that China did not forget or ignore the Middle East but clearly China can play a positive role in promoting peace in the Middle East.

Q3. You have grown up with the State of Israel and Israel has grown up with you. Now when approaching 90 what would you say, and leave modesty aside, are the indelible marks you have left on this country and the indelible marks this country has left on you?

A3. The belief that it will be better tomorrow. That is the main thing. Look, past is dead. I don't go back there. I'm not so interested much in what happened. All my energies and focus is on what can be done tomorrow. Tomorrow is alive. tomorrow can be changed or affected by all of us.

So I respect the past but I don't live it. I live the future without being prejudiced by the past. What I did, some people may read it or not read it. it's not relevant to my life beginning tomorrow morning.