China to deepen relations with Israel

China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Israel in areas including science, technology, agriculture and healthcare, and will scale up bilateral exchanges in culture, education, tourism and sports, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

In a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Xi said the complementary nature of the two nations' economies paves the way for win-win bilateral cooperation.

He noted that innovation has now become a highlight and driver of bilateral relations, as Chinese businesses take an active part in the development of Israel's infrastructure and innovative Israeli businesses explore opportunities in China.

He recalled landmark cooperation programs, including the new Haifa port and innovation parks jointly developed by the two sides in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, and Shanghai.

The Chinese and Jewish people, with each having a long history and civilization, have boasted a time-honored history of friendly exchanges, which left behind many memorable and touching stories, he said.

The president noted that two nations have adhered to key principles including mutual respect of sovereignty and noninterference in their respective domestic affairs since the two sides established diplomatic relations in 1992, with bilateral ties undergoing healthy growth and pragmatic cooperation, and securing positive outcomes.

China attaches great importance to bilateral relations, and the nation stands ready to use the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties next year as an opportunity to further the healthy and steady growth of their bilateral innovative comprehensive partnership, he said.

Xi reiterated China's key positions on the situation in the Middle East, saying that the nation has always supported Israel and Palestine attaining peaceful coexistence through dialogue and negotiations on the basis of the two-state solution.

China will always remain a guardian of Middle East peace and a builder of development in the region, he said, adding that Beijing will work with the international community to continue to make unwavering efforts in promoting the security, stability, development and prosperity of the region.

Herzog said he has immense respect for China's long history and splendid culture and admires the achievements the Chinese people have made under Xi's leadership.

The Israeli people will never forget the "precious helping hand" extended by the Chinese people to Jewish refugees, he said.

Israel firmly adheres to the one-China policy and remains committed to advancing bilateral friendship, he added.

He echoed Xi's proposal on strengthening cooperation and exchanges in a wide range of sectors, and looked forward to the two sides hosting celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties.