Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Beijing on Tuesday, with the two sides pledging to establish an "innovative comprehensive partnership."
Xi said doing so would help China and Israel complement each other in their cooperation and bring more tangible benefits to their populations.
Relations between China and Israel have been strong, with frequent high-level visits, pragmatic cooperation and many cultural exchanges since they established diplomatic ties 25 years ago, according to the Chinese president.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on March 21, 2017. /Xinhua Photo
Xi expressed hope that the two sides will strengthen political communication, increase mutual understanding and trust, dock their development strategies, work together on projects within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and cement public support for China-Israel ties.
China and Middle Eastern countries have become increasingly connected, and a peaceful, stable, and developed Middle East is in line with the benefits of all sides, he added.
Xi also praised Israel on solving issues with Palestine on the basis of a two-state solution, and said he hoped to see peaceful coexistence of the two sides at an early date.
Netanyahu said his visit to China has been fruitful.
Israel admires China's history, its development achievements and believes it has a critical role to play in today's international community, said Netanyahu.
He vowed that Israel will continue to adhere to the one-China policy.
Israel is particularly keen to deepen cooperation with China in areas including clean energy, agriculture, investment, finance and medical services.
Israel is willing to see China play a bigger role in the Middle East, said Netanyahu.
He added that Israel would actively participate in the infrastructure cooperation within the framework of the “Belt and Road Initiative”.
Netanyahu also met Vice Premier Liu Yandong on Tuesday.
