To play a more active role in promoting the resolution of the Palestinian issue - International Experts Talk on the China Pakistan Summit | Palestine | International
Beijing, June 15th (Xinhua) - To play a more positive role in promoting the resolution of the Palestinian issue - International experts discuss the China Pakistan summit
Xinhua News Agency reporter
On the afternoon of June 14, President Xi Jinping held talks with Palestinian President Abbas, who was on a state visit to China. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two heads of state exchanged in-depth views on China-Pakistan bilateral relations and the Palestinian issue and reached broad consensus.
International experts said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that the China Pakistan summit has yielded fruitful results and is of great significance. The two heads of state have jointly drawn a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations and provided guidance for the continued healthy and stable development of China Pakistan relations.
China Pakistan relations are traditionally friendly. China is one of the earliest countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine, and has always firmly supported the just cause of restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. President Abbas is an old and good friend of the Chinese people, and also the first Arab head of state received by China this year. Experts say that the arrangement of President Abbas's visit fully reflects the high level of friendly relations between China and Pakistan.
During the talks, the two heads of state announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Pakistan.
"History and reality have fully proven that China Pakistan relations have withstood the test of international changes, with rich connotations and enduring history." said Niu Xinchun, director of the Middle East Institute of the China Institute of Modern International Relations. The establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Pakistan is a natural choice for both sides, and it is the inheritance and promotion of China Pakistan's profound friendship. It will inject stronger impetus into the continued healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.
Taking the establishment of a strategic partnership as an opportunity, China proposes the direction of further deepening cooperation between the two countries: continue to firmly support each other on issues of core concern, comprehensively promote friendly cooperation in all fields, deepen cooperation in jointly building the "the Belt and Road", accelerate negotiations on China Pakistan free trade agreements, and strengthen exchanges of experience in governance
After the meeting, the two heads of state jointly signed on the first day of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, and witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents such as the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement. Both sides also issued a joint statement between the People's Republic of China and the State of Palestine on establishing a strategic partnership.
China's former Middle East envoy and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Wu Sike, said that over the years, China has sincerely treated Palestine and is a trustworthy friend and partner. With the improvement of the level of bilateral relations, it is natural for pragmatic cooperation between China and Pakistan to advance towards broader areas and deeper levels, which will undoubtedly better benefit the two countries and their peoples.
The Palestinian issue is the core of the Middle East issue and also the key issue discussed in this meeting between the two heads of state.
President Xi Jinping put forward three propositions on solving the Palestinian issue--
The fundamental solution to the Palestinian issue lies in establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital and full sovereignty.
Secondly, the economic and livelihood needs of Palestine should be guaranteed, and the international community should increase development assistance and humanitarian assistance to Palestine.
Thirdly, we must adhere to the correct direction of peace talks. Respect the historical status quo of the Holy Land of Jerusalem, reject extremist and provocative words and actions, promote the convening of a larger scale, more authoritative and influential international peace conference, create conditions for the resumption of peace talks, and make practical efforts to help Palestine and Israel coexist peacefully. China is willing to play a positive role in achieving internal reconciliation and promoting peace talks for Pakistan.
Wu Sike believes that for a period of time, the Palestinian Israeli conflict has been frequent at multiple points, and Western countries have reduced their attention to the Palestinian issue due to their own agenda setting needs, and there is even a tendency to marginalize it.
"The three proposals proposed this time are in line with China's stance and principles of adhering to the 'two country plan', and are systematic and continuous. They are new efforts made by China to promote the resolution of the Palestinian issue, taking into account the current regional situation and the new characteristics of the international environment."
Experts believe that China's proposal provides a good path for promoting the resolution of the Palestinian Israeli issue, which helps to ease the situation, create opportunities for more direct contact between the two sides, provide possibilities for international mediation and coordination, and promote the resumption of the Palestinian Israeli peace talks that have been interrupted since April 2014.
During the meeting, President Abbas expressed gratitude to China for proposing multiple initiatives for an early and just resolution of the Palestinian issue, and expressed that the Palestinian side believes in China's wisdom and just position, and looks forward to China playing a greater role in promoting internal reconciliation and achieving peace in the Middle East.
Since the beginning of this year, China's efforts to restore diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have sparked a wave of reconciliation in the Middle East, which has to a large extent eased tensions between regional countries. In this context, President Abbas's visit to China has received high attention from Palestinian and Israeli media, who have expressed their respective expectations.
The editor in chief of the official Palestinian news agency "Wafa", Hulud Assaf, said that China has always stood on the side of peace, justice, and historical correctness, firmly supporting the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, and tirelessly working to promote lasting peace in the region.
The Jerusalem Post reported that shortly after China facilitated reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran through dialogue, Abbas made a state visit to China, further confirming China's increasing influence in the Middle East and seeking to play a role in promoting the resolution of the Palestinian Israeli issue.
Niu Xinchun said that China has always upheld a fair stance, actively promoted peace talks, and created conditions for dialogue and consultation between the parties involved. This is in stark contrast to the long-standing practices of some Western countries that have "biased", engaged in double standards, and intensified conflicts.
Experts say that a comprehensive and just resolution of the Palestinian issue is related to regional peace, stability, and fairness and justice. We hope that all parties will give full attention to the objective, just, and feasible solutions proposed by China, and continuously gather consensus and create favorable conditions for promoting the peace talks between Palestine and Israel and the resolution of the Palestinian issue.