Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas's upcoming visit to China is expected to further improve friendship between the two sides, said Palestinian Ambassador to China Zakaria Abdul Rahim.

"Abbas's visit to China is of great significance," said Zakariain an interview with Xinhua, saying it is the first time for Abbas to visit China since he succeeded Yasser Arafat as president of the Palestinian National Authority.

Abbas will pay a state visit to China from May 17 to 19 at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao. During his stay, President Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao are scheduled to confer with Abbas for discussion on how to enhance the relationship between China and Palestine.

During his China tour, Abbas will ask China to continue to mediate and play roles in the Middle East issue, said Zakaria. The two sides will also sign several agreements relating to bilateral economic and trade cooperation, he said.

Zakaria expressed his appreciation and respect to the Chinese people for their support for the Palestinian people, hoping China continues its support and fair stance on the Middle East issue.

A lot of Palestinian businessmen come to China to purchase goods, and China's export to Palestine amounts to 550 million every year, said Zakaria, referring to the Palestinian statistics.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Tuesday Abbas's upcoming visit purposed to brief the Chinese leaders on the latest development in the Middle East region. The two sides will exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern as well, Liu said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2005)