Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing talked by phone in Beijing Thursday with Amr Mahmoud Moussa, secretary-general of the League of Arab States.

The two sides exchanged views on the current situation in Iraq and the conflicts between Israel and Palestine.

Li expressed his concern with the situations in the Middle East and the Gulf region, saying the United Nations should play its role in maintaining the peace and stability in this region.

The political will and choice of the Iraqi people should be respected, said Li.

Moussa briefed Li on the Arab foreign ministers' meeting held Tuesday and Wednesday.

The two sides agreed to work together to further develop the friendly cooperative relations between China and Arab nations.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2003)