Israeli president appreciates China's role in Mideast peace process

JERUSALEM, Dec. 19 -- Israeli President Shimon Peres on Thursday appreciated "China's constructive support" in efforts to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

When meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Peres said peace needed to be made through taking initiatives as it would not happen on its own or by waiting.

Wang voiced his hope that at this critical moment of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Israel would make a right decision, push forward the talks and lay a solid foundation for peace in the Middle East.

Commending China's economic and social development, the Israeli president said the two countries were developing and strengthening relations in various areas.

"China is the greatest model in recent history that millions of people escape poverty with their own hands and minds," he said. "The Middle East can and should learn from your experience."

Peres noted that Israel faced not only grave threats but also great opportunity. The threat of a nuclear-armed Iran must be met but the great chance for peace must not be ignored.

As for the Iran nuclear issue, Peres hoped China, as a key player in the global arena, could play a crucial role.

Wang, the first Chinese foreign minister in Israel since 2009, visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum and joined a seminar presented by both Israeli and Palestinian academics on Thursday.

Wang will leave Israel Friday for Algeria to continue his five-nation Middle East trip, which will also take him to Morocco and Saudi Arabia. He has visited Palestine.