China and Israel agree to expand innovative cooperation and promote negotiations on establishing free-trade areas (FTA) as Premier Li Keqiang met with Israeli Parliament Speaker Yuli Edelstein in Beijing on April 12.

[Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li praised the smooth and sound development of Sino-Israeli ties. Despite the shrinking global trade last year, trade between the two countries still maintained growth, which indicates a great potential in bilateral cooperation, said the Premier.

As the next year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Israel, China eyes closer ties with Israel in strengthening pragmatic cooperation in all fields and promoting FTA negotiations, as well as building a cooperative platform to facilitate innovative cooperation, said the Premier.

The Premier also urged strengthening communication between the legislative bodies of the two countries to enhance mutual understanding of people from both sides.

He hoped that the Israeli parliament will continue to support the development of China-Israel relations, and promote pragmatic cooperation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and provide a better environment in facilitating personnel exchanges to achieve more cooperative results and benefit people.

Edelstein said the Israeli side admires China’s achievements and praised China’s active initiative in leading the economic structural reform and inputting new growth momentum.

Hailing the in-depth Israel-China friendship, he said his country is willing to enhance comprehensive exchanges with the Chinese government, legislative body, business and academic circles and form a close partnership with China in promoting growth and innovation, thus boosting win-win and mutually beneficial Israeli-Sino relations.