Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, on a tour of the Middle East, had meetings with both Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian National Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas yesterday.

Sharon told Li that Israel attaches great importance to its relations with China and hopes they will strengthen cooperation in economy and trade, agriculture, education and culture.

He also praised the influence of China in promoting the Middle East peace process.

Li said China was pleased about their good relations, and that he appreciated efforts made by Sharon to improve bilateral cooperation.

Later in Ramallah, Abbas and Li reviewed latest developments in the Palestinian territories and ongoing international efforts in the Middle East peace process.

Li said his visit aimed to strengthen the consensus reached during Abbas' visit to China in May.

They agreed on the necessity of making joint efforts to enhance Chinese-Palestinian cooperation in various fields, and Li voiced hope for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace and prosperity for the Palestinian people.

He told both Sharon and Abbas that he hoped their meeting on Tuesday would bear fruit.

Having already visited Jordan, Li arrived in Israel on Sunday and will also go to Syria and Lebanon.

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2005)