China eyes strengthening bilateral cooperation with Israel

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called for further cooperation with Israel in the field of innovation as he met Israeli Knesset (parliament) Speaker Yuli Edelstein in Beijing.

Applauding the smooth and healthy development of China-Israel relations, Premier Li said the bilateral trade between the two nations has maintained strong growth against the backdrop of shrinking global trade last year, which shows greater potential of bilateral cooperation, reports Xinhua.

Li asserted that as the 25th anniversary of the China-Israel diplomatic ties will be marked next year, Beijing is willing to take the opportunity to further political exchanges and expand pragmatic cooperation with Israel.

The premier called both sides to actively push forward the negotiation on a free trade agreement and hoped that the Israeli parliament would continue to support the development of bilateral relations and create a better environment for bilateral cooperation.

Edelstein, who is on a five-day visit here expressed that Israel is willing to enhance exchanges and communication with the Chinese government, law-making agency and others.

He also called on both sides to build a partnership in accelerating economic growth and encouraging innovation.