Chinese and Palestinian authorities have agreed to encourage the traditional friendship between the two countries and implement relevant initiatives announced earlier this year by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This decision was taken during a meeting between Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, and Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.

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Zhang emphasized that his visit to Palestine is aimed at boosting traditional friendship and increasing cooperation in the various areas such as education, talent training, culture and investment. Zhang said that the relationship between China and Palestine is a good precedent for designing South-South cooperation and Sino-Arab relations.

Discussing the Palestine and Israel issue, the Chinese leader said that it is the responsibility of the international community to support the Palestinian people and restore their legitimate national rights. According to Xinhua, Zhang stressed that China always had and always will take a fair and objective stance in regards to the Palestinian issue. He also laid a wreath on the grave of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Palestinian leader Hamdallah commended China for its unconditional support in various areas. He also expressed his hope that Palestine would get to play an active role in China's Belt and Road initiative. The Palestinian Prime Minister voiced agreement with President X's statement that the Palestinian issues should not be forgotten or sidelined.

Zhang is currently on a four-nation tour, which includes stops in France and Finland. According to CCTV, Zhang also met Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin. After Palestine, Zhang is scheduled to visit Finland. 

Tagszhang dejiang, Palestine, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu