Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister Nabil Shaath and Head of Representative Office of China to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Gong Xiaosheng discussed the Mideast peace process on Sunday.

A statement issued by Shaath office said the two officials discussed the latest development in the Mideast peace process and the Chinese support to the Palestinians in their pursuit of independence.

The statement said the meeting was held in honor of Gong who is to end his term as Chinese chief representative in the Palestinian territories.

It said Gong reiterated China's determination to support the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.

The two sides also reviewed the bilateral ties between China and the Palestinians and discussed the coming Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank due in mid August.

Shaath said the PNA had completed all the preparations for the Israeli withdrawal, the first time that Israel gives up land it occupied in the 1967 Mideast War.

Source: Xinhua