BEIJING -- China and Israel have shown respect and support for each other, achieved remarkable results in cooperation in various fields, and kept close contact and coordination in international and regional affairs, Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Friday.
Hu made the remarks while meeting with President of Israel Shimon Peres, who is here to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games and other activities.
China and Israel should continue their sound exchanges at all levels, bring into full play their complementary advantages, expand mutually-beneficial cooperation and improve cultural exchanges, Hu added.
Peres said a better China will bring about a better world, and will benefit mankind as a whole. He expressed the hope that the two countries strengthen high-level exchanges and expand cooperation in such fields as culture and agriculture.
Hu called President Peres a seasoned statesman of Israel and an old friend of the Chinese people, saying that Peres has devoted himself to China-Israel friendship.
Israel has offered assistance to China during the snow and ice disaster and after the devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province, Hu said, adding that President Peres also offered his firm support for Beijing's hosting of the Olympic Games.
"All these facts have shown the Israeli people's friendly emotions toward the Chinese people," Hu said, adding the Chinese side felt grateful for that.
In response, Peres said he was impressed by Beijing's preparations for the Olympic Games, which he called an unprecedented effort in world history.
