Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon(R) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Jerusalem June 20. (Xinhua)

   JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing expressed their willingness to improve bilateral ties on Monday.

   During their meeting, Sharon said Israel attaches great importance to its relations with China and hoped that the two countries will strengthen cooperation in various fields such as
economy and trade, agriculture, education as well as cultures.

   Sharon praised the influence exerted by China to promote the Middle East peace process.

   For his part, Li Zhaoxing said China is satisfied with the good relations between the two countries, saying he appreciates the efforts made by Sharon to improve bilateral cooperations.

   The Chinese top diplomat also said he hopes the upcoming meeting between Sharon and Palestinian National Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas will bear fruit.

   Li Zhaoxing arrived here Sunday as part of a Mideast tour which will also take him to Syria and Lebanon. Enditem

Abbas, Chinese FM mull Mideast peace process

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas (R) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in the West Bank city of Ramallah June 20. (Xinhua)

   RAMALLAH, June 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing reviewed Monday the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and ongoing international efforts to push forward the Middle East peace process.

   During the meeting, Li Zhaoxing said his visit is part of the Chinese-Palestinian consultations and coordination to strengthen the consensus reached during President Abbas' visit to China in May.

   The two agreed on the necessity of making joint efforts to enhance the Chinese-Palestinian cooperation in various fields.

   Meanwhile, Li Zhaoxing voiced hope for establishing a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East and achieving prosperity for the Palestinian people.

   He also said he wishes Tuesday's summit between Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon would be a success.

   Li arrived in Ramallah on Monday as part of a Middle East tour which has taken him to Jordan and Israel, and will take him to Syria and Lebanon. Enditem