Visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said in Jerusalem Sunday that China is ready to expand dialogue with Israel on a broad spectrum of bilateral and international issues and strengthen cooperation in various fields.  

In a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, Li said China appreciates the efforts by the Israeli government to develop relations with China in accordance with the fundamental interests of both sides, which is also conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East region and the world at large.

He said China is ready to expand its cooperation with Israel in trade, agriculture, culture, education, tourism and other fields.

China is making efforts to double its trade volume with Israel from US$2.5 billion in 2004 to US$5 billion in 2008, he added.

He told Shalom that China has listed Israel as one of the tourist destination countries for Chinese citizens.

Shalom, who is also deputy prime minister, said China is Israel's important cooperative partner. Israel is eager to strengthen exchanges with China in all fields and deepen understanding and cooperation with China, he said.

He stressed that Israel will firmly stick to its one-China policy.

The two sides have agreed to mutual exemption of visas for diplomatic and service passport holders.

On the Middle East situation, the two sides agreed that all parties concerned should seize the current opportunity to expedite the Middle East peace process.

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2005)