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Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, shakes hands with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah in Ramallah. Zhang made an official goodwill visit to Palestine on Sept. 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
RAMALLAH, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Palestinian leaders have expressed the willingness to further promote the traditional friendship, implementing the relevant initiatives Chinese President Xi Jinping raised earlier this year.
The agreement was made in the meeting between Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, and Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the visiting top Chinese legislator said that in January, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a strong appeal in a speech on activating the peace process and promoting reconstruction at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo.
Carrying forward the tradition, the historic ties between China and Palestine have entered a new stage with the concern of leaders from both sides, said Zhang, adding that the purpose of his visit also focuses on strengthening traditional friendship and promoting cooperation in the fields of investment, culture, education and talent training.
Calling Palestine a good brother and friend, Zhang said China-Palestine relationship has set a good model for Sino- Arab relations and South-South cooperation.
He reiterated that China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their national rights and backs Palestine to join more international organizations.
Furthermore, China thanks Palestine's open stance backing China on South China Sea, said Zhang.
Regarding the Palestinian-Israeli issue, Zhang said the international community is responsible to support Palestinian people restoring their legitimate national rights.
He stressed that China has been always and will keep its objective and fair stance towards the Palestinian issue, firmly support the peace process and continue to play an active role in regional issues.
Expressing appreciation of China's long-time support, Hamdallah agreed with President Xi that the Palestinian question should not be marginalized or forgotten.
He hoped China will make a bigger role in the Palestinian-Israeli issue, helping further promote the Palestinian issue in the international arena.
Hamdallah said that China has provided help to Palestine in many areas without political conditions, bringing concrete benefits to the Palestinian people.
He believed China's successful experiences are valuable for the Palestinians. Palestine wants to actively participate in China's Belt and Road Initiative, hoping more favorable policies of China will benefit the Middle East.
During his visit, Zhang also laid a wreath to the grave of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
After winding up his visit to Israel and Palestine, Zhang traveled on to Finland to continue his current four-nation tour, which also includes France.
