Premier Li Keqiang met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is on a state visit to China, on July 19 in Beijing.

Premier Li said China and Palestine enjoy profound traditional friendship with mutual respect and support. The fruitful talks between President Xi Jinping and Abbas on July 18 further deepened bilateral cooperation, the Premier added.

As a trusted friend of Palestine, China has been paying close attention to and actively supporting the Middle East peace process. China supports the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, Premier Li said.

“A peaceful and stable Middle East is vital to the peace and stability of the region and even the world,” he said, adding China will support and actively join the efforts of international community to promote peace talks.

Premier Li said China is willing to expand pragmatic cooperation with Palestine to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results. He suggested both sides promote existing cooperation in key fields through bilateral and multilateral dialogues, and strengthen cooperation in trade, infrastructure, human resources and capability building to promote the economic development and improve people’s lives in Palestine.

Premier Li Keqiang meets with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 19, 2017.[Photo/China News Service]

Abbas said the bilateral ties between China and Palestine have developed smoothly, with deepening mutual understanding and trust.

Palestine appreciates China’s stance on the Palestinian issue, and thanks China for its long-term support, Abbas said.

He said Palestine is ready to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen cooperation in industrial parks, clean energy and manpower training to promote the healthy development of bilateral relations.