国内英语新闻:Israeli president calls for closer economic cooperation with China

JERUSALEM, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Israeli President Reuven Rivlin Wednesday called for further tapping the potential of Israel-China cooperation in various fields, including high-tech, innovation and agriculture.

At a meeting with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, Rivlin hopes that the two countries will constantly strengthen their cooperation in high-tech, innovation and agriculture, and increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Israel admires achievements China has made in the process of reforms and opening-up, and will actively participate in the implementation of China's "Belt and Road" initiative, he said.

Israel attaches importance to China's unique influence in the Middle East peace process and hopes that China will play a bigger role in promoting peace and stability in the region, Rivlin said.

Noting that Israel and China both have a long history and a bright future, Rivlin said that the Israeli people will never forget the assistance the Chinese people provided to Jewish refugees during World War II.

Wang, who is on an official visit to Israel, said that China is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with Israel and enhance mutual political trust.

Israel is well known for innovation, while China is implementing an initiative of spurring economic growth through innovation, he said, voicing his hope that the two sides will bring their mutually-complementary advantages into full play.

China will strengthen coordination with related parties and support the United Nations, the Middle East diplomatic quartet and member states of BRICS in taking more actions to push forward the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, he said.

Noting that China is deeply concerned and worried about the recent escalation of Israeli-Palestinian confrontation, Wang stressed that China condemns any violence against civilians and urges both sides to maintain maximum restraint so that the situation may stabilize as soon as possible.

Wang hoped that Israel will always stick to its strategic choice of peace talks and make more positive efforts to resume its peace talks with the Palestinians.

Wang also held talks with his Israeli counterpart Silvan Shalom on Wednesday.