Chinese, Palestinian presidents to establish partnership
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The Chinese President expressed that China has consistently backed the fair cause of restoring the Palestinian people's rightful national rights.
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Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping after a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 14, 2023. (AFP)
President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, where they agreed to form a strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Xi stated that this alliance will usher in a new era in their relationship, building on their previous successes while opening up new avenues for the future.
He stated that China will work with Palestine to develop their friendship and cooperation in all sectors, emphasizing that the two countries are close friends and partners who trust and support one another.
The Chinese President added that China has always consistently backed the fair cause of restoring the Palestinian people's rightful national rights. "Facing unprecedented changes in the world and the new developments in the Middle East, China stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Palestine, and work for a comprehensive, just, and durable solution to the Palestinian question at an early date," Xi divulged.
Read more: China's influence in South-East Asia has replaced US: The Economist
According to Chinese media, Xi also informed Abbas that China is eager to play a good role in assisting the Palestinians in achieving internal reconciliation and resuming discussions with the Israeli authorities.
Media outlets further reported that Xi expressed that the fundamental solution to the question of Palestine is the "Establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem [al-Quds] as its capital."
Furthermore, the Chinese president emphasized that China will continue to fight for the authority to become a full member of the UN and that Beijing will continue to advocate for the Palestinian side in international forums.
He went on to say that the world community should offer greater development and humanitarian help to Palestinians.
The two also signed a number of bilateral agreements, including one on economic and technical cooperation.
Abbas landed in Beijing on Monday for a three-day visit to meet with key Chinese authorities, including President Xi and Premier Li Qiang. China has continuously shown itself to be a mediator in the Middle East, orchestrating the rapprochement of Saudi Arabia and Iran in March.
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang notified Palestinian and Israeli officials in April that China was eager to assist in negotiations between the two.
Abbas and Xi also met last December in Riyadh, on the margins of the inaugural China-Arab States Summit. At the time, the Chinese president stated that Beijing will continue to back the Palestinian cause.
According to Xi, “No matter how the international and regional situation may change, China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people and will always stand with them."
