Chinese, Israeli Presidents Meet to Exchange Views

Jiang Zemin meets Israeli President Ezer Weizman.

Visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Wednesday that China and Israel, both having misfortunes in the past, hope to live in a peaceful environment in the new century.

The two countries each has a long history and made outstanding contributions to the progress of human civilization, Jiang said during his meeting with Israeli President Ezer Weizman. He expressed appreciation for the hospitality shown by the Israeli people to his current state visit.

Weizman expressed his warm welcome to Jiang, saying that Israel has been looking forward to Jiang's visit for a long time. The Israeli president said Israel and China have many similarities, which should be used in a better way by learning from each other in many aspects.

He expressed his conviction that Jiang's visit will further promote the development of the bilateral ties.

Jiang and Weizman asked Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen and Israeli Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister David Levy, who signed the communique for the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, to gave their opinions.

Levy said remarkable progress has been made in bilateral ties since the diplomatic relations were forged, and the two sides are satisfied with the achievements.

"Today is a historic day to Israel because of Chinese president's first visit," Levy said, adding that Israeli people appreciate China's long history and Chinese people's splendid accomplishments.

Qian said the signing in Beijing of the communique on diplomatic relations turned a new page in the relations between China and Israel. President Weizman's visit last year and President Jiang's ongoing visit have pushed the Sino-Israeli relations to new heights, he noted.

He expressed his belief that there is even broader prospect for the relations between the two countries.

After the meeting, the two presidents attended the signing ceremony of two bilateral agreements on industrial technology research and development, as well as on education. They also talked with Chinese and foreign press after the ceremony.

The Chinese president arrived here earlier Wednesday on a state visit to Israel.