President Xi Jinping stated so by the time he was holding official talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is paying a four-day visit here.

China’s head of State reaffirmed his support for establishing the State based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as the capital, as well as promoting peace talks with Israel.

The Chinese authority proposed closer bilateral coordination and cooperation, and deemed as an important milestone the decision reached with Abbas to form a strategic partnership between the sides.

According to an official press release, the Palestinian leader welcomed Beijing’s position and its role as a promoter of reconciliation and peace in the Middle East.

Abbas also agreed to take further steps to strengthen friendship and cooperation in various sectors.

The meeting between Xi and Abbas closed with a joint statement, which included agreements such as the activation of negotiations on a free trade deal, cultural, educational and communication collaboration, among others.

Abbas arrived here yesterday to complete a four-day official visit and, apart from Xi, he will be received by other senior figures of the local government. jrr/omr/mem/ymr