Israel on Tuesday hailed China's role in international and Middle East affairs, voicing the hope to cement cooperation with China on economy, science and culture.

Israel is holding dialogue with Palestine on relevant issues "with serious attitude" and hopes to achieve results at an early date, said visiting Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni during a meeting with Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.

Citing the Palestine issue as the "core issue of Middle East affairs," Yang said that China supports the negotiations between Palestine and Israel on relevant issues including the final-status issues between the two sides so as to work out a proper solution for their final peaceful co-existence.

"China would like to continuously play a constructive role for a comprehensive, just and long-standing solution to Middle East issues," Yang said.

As 2007 marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-Israel diplomatic ties, Yang said the two countries witnessed substantial development in friendly cooperation in terms of politics, economy and trade, science and technology, culture and education.

Livni also reiterated Israel's adherence to the one-China policy.

After the talks, the two foreign ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on Chinese tourists to Israel.

Livni arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a three-day official visit to China at Yang's invitation.

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2007)