Xi Jinping Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
Chinese President Xi Jinping Meets Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the Great Hall of the People
Original source: xinhuanet.com, republished by www.people.com.cn on 2013-05-09
Link: http://jhsjk.people.cn/article/21428359
Translated and archived by ccpstudies.org
On May 9, President Xi Jinping met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
President Xi noted that China-Israel relations have a solid foundation, and since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have maintained positive momentum. He expressed hope that both sides would continue to uphold the principles of equality, mutual trust, inclusiveness, mutual learning, and win-win cooperation to plan and develop the friendly relations between the two countries. He emphasized the need to enhance interactions at all levels, deepen mutual understanding, explore complementary advantages, and strengthen pragmatic cooperation. Xi also encouraged cultural, educational, and media exchanges to expand people-to-people connections and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two nations.
Prime Minister Netanyahu praised China as a visionary, open, and progressive nation that has achieved remarkable development. He emphasized Israel’s strategic and long-term commitment to strengthening its relationship with China. Netanyahu expressed Israel’s willingness to seize opportunities, align economic development strategies, deepen cooperation, and enhance friendly ties between the peoples of both countries to chart a broad future for Israel-China relations.
President Xi highlighted the profound and complex changes occurring in today’s world, advocating for the establishment of new international relations based on equality, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit. He observed that the Middle East, long scarred by conflict, continues to face instability. Peace, stability, and development are the common aspirations of the region’s nations, and resolving disputes through political means aligns with the fundamental interests of all parties. Xi stressed that the people of the Middle East, including Israel, deserve equal rights to survival and development. True and lasting peace in the region can only be achieved by safeguarding the legitimate rights of all nations and respecting mutual concerns.
Xi acknowledged the difficulties and complexities of the Middle East peace process but underscored the international community’s expectation for Israel and Palestine to live as peaceful neighbors and for Israel to coexist with all Arab nations. He reiterated China’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue and called on both Israelis and Palestinians to build trust, take tangible actions, and resume peace talks to make meaningful progress.
President Xi affirmed China’s objective and impartial stance, emphasizing its commitment to mediating and promoting dialogue to facilitate political solutions to regional issues and contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Netanyahu outlined Israel’s position, stating that the country deeply understands the pain caused by war and desires peace. He expressed Israel’s willingness to achieve peace through negotiations and praised China’s efforts to advance the Middle East peace process. Netanyahu conveyed Israel’s readiness to maintain communication with China to foster peace in the region.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues.
(Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, May 9 – Reporter Qian Tong)
