President Hu Jintao said yesterday that China will maintain its constructive role in the Middle East issue.

 

"China will work with the international community and take a constructive approach to solving the Middle East issue in an all-round, impartial, long-term manner," said Hu in a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

 

 

Hu urged all parties concerned to renew concerted efforts to quickly resolve the Middle East issue based on relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "land-for-peace."

 

The early solution of the Middle East issue is the common aspiration of people in the region and in the world, Hu added.

 

Olmert expressed his appreciation of China's stance of fairness in promoting the peace process in the Middle East, adding his hope that China would continue to play a role in this regard.

 

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel, and both Hu and Olmert spoke positively of the development of bilateral ties.

 

Hu said he hopes the two countries will continue good relations, following successful cooperation in such fields as trade, technology, agriculture, culture and education.

 

Olmert echoed Hu's views, saying his country is willing to further relations with China and cooperate in trade and economy, technology, research and development, information, agriculture, irrigation and culture.

 

As Premier Wen Jiabao's guest, Olmert, son of a former Jewish resident in China, began on Tuesday his first official visit to Beijing since taking office last May. He left yesterday evening, concluding a three-day visit to China, a country with which he feels a close spiritual link.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2007)