Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing expressed their willingness to improve bilateral ties on June 20.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (R) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Jerusalem on June 20, 2005.

During their meeting, Sharon said Israel attaches great importance to its relations with China and hoped that the two countries will strengthen cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, agriculture, education as well as cultures.

Sharon praised the influence exerted by China to promote the Middle East peace process.

For his part, Li Zhaoxing said China is satisfied with the good relations between the two countries, saying he appreciates the efforts made by Sharon to improve bilateral cooperations.

The Chinese top diplomat also said he hopes the upcoming meeting between Sharon and Palestinian National Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas will bear fruit.

Li Zhaoxing arrived in Jerusalem on June 19 as part of a Mideast tour which will also take him to Syria and Lebanon.

Source: Xinhua