Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and visiting Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom agreed to enhance Sino-Israeli ties and expand their bilateral cooperation during their talks held Monday.

Shalom, also Israeli deputy prime minister, arrived here Friday for an official visit at the invitation of Li Zhaoxing.

China and Israel have scored smooth progress in their bilateral relations since the forging of their diplomatic ties, and shared the desire to deepen their friendship, Li acknowledged.

Li said China is ready to keep expanding bilateral ties in compliance with the principle of mutual benefits and seeking common development.

With regard to the Middle-East issue, Li said China follows very closely changes in the Middle-east region, and hope that the conflicts between Israel and Palestine will be halted and peace talks resumed as soon as possible. "The Chinese side is willing to continue to play a constructive role in materializing peace in the conflict-laden area," he said.

Shalom said he believed the two counties have much in common and have maintained good sound cooperation in such spheres as trade, agriculture, culture and education.

Moreover, Shalom said the "one-China" stance of the Israeli government will remain unchanged, and he appreciated China for its efforts in helping resolve the middle-east issue and hoped the country would continue to give scope to its role.