Qin Gang Meets with Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riyadh al-Maliki

On June 13, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met in Beijing with Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riyadh al-Maliki who is accompanying Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on his visit to China.

Qin Gang said that China and Palestine are good friends and good partners. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the two sides have firmly supported each other politically, made positive progress in cooperation in various fields, and constantly deepened the friendship between the two peoples. Qin noted that President Abbas is the first Arab head of state hosted by China this year, which speaks volumes about the special friendship between the two countries and China's support for the just cause of Palestine. He expressed the belief that the two heads of state will make top-level plans and set the strategic direction for the development of bilateral relations, and take the traditional friendship between the two countries to a new level. China is ready to work closely with Palestine to ensure the complete success of the visit.

Qin Gang pointed out that the situation in the Middle East is undergoing profound changes. To strengthen strategic autonomy and enhance solidarity and cooperation is the shared aspiration of the people and the prevailing trend of the time. China attaches great importance to the Palestinian question, always firmly supports the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights, and will continue to support peace talks as the right forward, and contribute China's wisdom and strength to resolving the Palestinian question.

Riyadh al-Maliki said China is a trustworthy, reliable friend. Palestine highly appreciates the proposals put forward by President Xi Jinping for resolving the Palestinian question, and thanks China for its firm support for Palestine's just cause and its important support to Palestine in the political and development fields. He noted that President Abbas attaches great importance to this visit and expects it to promote greater development of bilateral relations. Palestine firmly pursues the one-China policy and will continue to support China on issues concerning China's core interests.