Israeli President Shimon Peres on Sunday met in Jerusalem?with Zhang Gaoli, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Party chief of China's Tianjin municipality.

Zhang, heading a CPC delegation, extended greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao to Peres.

China and Israel have seen steady development of relations and frequent high-level exchanges since the establishment of their diplomatic ties 18 years ago, Zhang said, adding that the two countries have carried out extensive economic, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation.

China appreciates Israel's adherence to the one-China policy, Zhang said.

Strengthening and further developing Sino-Israeli friendly relations serves the fundamental interests of Chinese and Israeli peoples, as well as peace and prosperity in the Middle East, he stressed.

Zhang said China is willing to deepen practical cooperation with Israel in various fields, and to promote the exchanges between political parties, governments, legislatures and the two peoples.

The Israeli president asked Zhang to convey warm greetings to his Chinese counterpart.

Peres is impressed by China's coordinated development in economy, society and culture, saying that the world has seen China 's promising future through her unprecedented achievements.

Noting that the CPC has led the Chinese people in the endeavor to eliminate poverty, Peres said that China adheres to the path of peaceful development, and contributes to the world peace and stability.

Israel is looking forward to bolstering the communication and cooperation with China in fields like science, technology, culture, education and particularly renewable energy, while consolidating traditional friendship with China. By doing so, Peres added, the two countries will join hands to enhance the bilateral relations to a new level.

Later in the day, Zhang unveiled the "Jews in Tianjin" photo exhibition together with Isaac Herzog, Israel's minister of welfare and social services, and attended a signing ceremony for projects of Israel, Tianjing economic and trade cooperation with Minister of Science and Technology Daniel Hershkowitz.