On May 8, 2013, Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Great Hall of the People.
Li reviewed the robust growth of China-Israel relations since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1992, citing rapid development of bilateral cooperation in various fields. The premier said the new Chinese government has placed great importance on developing ties with Israel, calling on the two countries to step up exchanges between governments, parliaments, parties and non-governmental organizations, and to work more closely in education, tourism and other people-to-people fields.
Li said the Palestinian issue is at the core of factors influencing peace and stability in the Middle East, stressing dialogue is the only effective way to finding peaceful solutions. He told his guest that China expects Israel and Palestine to work together, take substantive measures to remove obstacles and create conditions for the restoration and progress of peace talks between Palestine and Israel, which is in the interests of Israel and Palestine and works for regional and world peace and stability. As a friend of Israel and Palestine, China has always taken an objective and fair stance and would like to make joint efforts with all parties to promote the Middle East peace process, Li said.
Li said practical cooperation has become the fastest-growing, most dynamic and most promising field in China- Israel relations. The two countries need to upgrade cooperation in all areas, to bring more benefits to both peoples. On the economic front, he called on the two countries to expand two-way trade and investment, and add value to it. To deepen science and technology cooperation, Li proposed the two countries jointly build industrial zones and technology-transfer centers to make the best of their advantages. The premier welcomed more Israeli investment in China's cutting-edge technology fields. In the agricultural field, China would like to learn from Israel's advanced technology and management experience on cultivating agricultural products, improving husbandry and promoting water conservation, he added. China is also ready to expand project contracting and labor cooperation with Israel. According to Li, China is encouraging businesses with strong capabilities to participate in Israel's engineering projects.
Li and Netanyahu agreed that the two countries will set up a special working group, carry out research on cooperation in the economic and social sectors and formulate cooperative plans.
Netanyahu said both Israel and China enjoy a time-honored history and their peoples cherish profound friendship towards each other. Israel admires China's development achievements and would like to work more closely with China in making use of their respective advantages to usher in a better future for bilateral ties. Israel would also like to participate in China's efforts for implementing the 12th Five-Year Plan. Israel's prime minister proposed the two countries work more closely in technology innovation, water conservation, agriculture, husbandry and recyclable energy, to promote their common development and improve people's livelihood. The Israeli side appreciated China's constructive role in the Middle East peace process.
After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative agreements covering areas including agriculture, technology and education.
Prior to the talks, Li held a welcome ceremony for Netanyahu at the Square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Su Rong, vice-chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and other officials attended the ceremony.