BEIJING, March 20 (Xinhuanet) -- China on Monday said it hopes to further cooperate with Russia in promoting peace in the Middle East.

    "China and Russia are close on the Middle East issue and have kept good cooperation and coordination. China hopes to further cooperate with Russia in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East," Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said in a written interview with the Russian press, which was posted on Monday on the Foreign Ministry's official website.

    When asked to comment on Russia's dialogue with the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Li said Russia had tried to persuade Hamas to transform itself into a political party, follow the path of peace and dialogue, recognize Israel and accept the agreements already reached.

    "China backs Russia's diplomatic efforts in that regard," Li said.

    The Chinese Foreign Minister also urged Palestine and Israel to abide by the relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace" and resolve disputes through negotiation to achieve peaceful co-existence. Enditem