China hopes for close coordination to build peace in Middle East

CHINA - China said thursday that the recent visits to China by leaders or senior officials from Palestine, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar were expected to enhance coordination on peace talks.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily briefing, saying the visits were aimed at enhancing China’s coordination and cooperation with countries in the region, facilitating peace talks and helping the Middle East to move in the right direction. “The Middle East situation is currently at a crossroads”, Lu said, adding that without stability in the Middle East region it is difficult to maintain peace in the world.

He said that China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, was concerned about peace, stability and development in the Middle East. China had no personal interest in dealing with the Middle East issue, and took the well-being of the countries and people in the region into account. Lu said that during the talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on tuesday, Xi made a four-point proposal on the Palestinian issue, which Abbas supported.

Moreover, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi put forward a three-point proposal on easing tensions on Gulf affairs Wednesday when meeting with United Arab Emirates Minister of State Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. He also made clear China’s position on Libya Wednesday when meeting with Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui. Wang is scheduled to meet with Qatar’s foreign minister in Beijing Thursday afternoon.

Lu said China’s stance was appreciated by all relevant parties, noting that China would continue to play a constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.

(Xin hua)