Xi Jinping Speaks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the Phone

On November 17, 2021, President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Xi Jinping pointed out that both the Chinese nation and the Jewish nation have a time-honored history and civilization, and the two sides enjoy enduring friendly exchanges, which have left many heart-touching stories worth remembering. Since the establishment of China-Israel diplomatic relations, the two countries have adhered to the key principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Bilateral relations have achieved rapid and sound development and the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in various fields has yielded positive results. China attaches great importance to its relations with Israel and is willing to take the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to promote the sustained, sound and stable development of the China-Israel innovative comprehensive partnership, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

Xi Jinping stressed that China and Israel have complementary economic advantages, and are fully capable of carrying out mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. Some Chinese enterprises have taken an active part in Israel's infrastructure construction, and many Israeli innovative companies have settled and developed in China. The two sides have jointly built such landmark projects as the new port of Haifa, the China-Israel Changzhou Innovation Park and the China-Israel (Shanghai) Innovation Park. Innovation has become a highlight and booster of bilateral relations. China is ready to deepen cooperation with Israel in such fields as science and technology, agriculture and health care, and expand exchanges and cooperation with Israel in culture, education, tourism, sports and other areas, so as to lay a solid foundation for the friendly public opinion between the two countries. China welcomes Israel to actively participate in the Global Development Initiative.

Herzog said that Israel pays high respect for China's long history and splendid culture, and sincerely admires the development achievements made by the Chinese people under the outstanding leadership of President Xi Jinping. The Israeli people will never forget the precious help the Chinese people rendered to the Jewish refugees. Israel firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is committed to deepening Israel-China friendly relations. Israel is willing to join hands with China to successfully host a series of activities celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in such fields as science and technology, innovation, economy, agriculture, and sports.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East. Xi Jinping stressed that China has always advocated peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine through dialogue and negotiation on the basis of the two-state solution. China has always been a guardian of peace and a contributor to development in the Middle East. China is willing to work with the international community to continue to make unremitting efforts to promote security, stability, development and prosperity in the Middle East.