China pledges to do whatever it can to work towards an early realization of peace in the Middle East, said Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong on Friday.

Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (R) greets Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath before they head for talks in Beijing July 10, 2003. Shaath is on a two-day visit to discuss bilateral ties with China's leaders on the Iraq issue and the situation in the Middle East.[Reuters]

During a meeting with visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath, Zeng said the Chinese Government and people were encouraged by recent positive developments. They also welcomed those positive Palestinian efforts aimed at resuming talks and applauded the Palestinian leaders' sincerity and courage to that end.

Zeng said it was crucial for the Palestine-Israel disputes to be settled, and both sides should seize the opportunity and actively co-operate with the international community's peace "roadmap."

In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Shaath said it is a strategic choice of the Palestinian authorities to hold dialogues and consultations with China on the current situation.

"We sincerely hope to seek support and advice from China at this crucial time of the peace process in Middle East," the foreign minister said.

"Now we welcome the international pressure since there is a plan which is accepted by our two parties (Palestine and Israel)," said Shaath.

That plan, the roadmap, was formally presented by the diplomatic quartet of the UN, United States, European Union and Russian Federation and calls for a series of parallel steps by the Palestinians and Israelis over the next three years towards realizing the vision of two states, Palestine and Israel.

Shaath acknowledged both Palestine and Israel will have to overcome major obstacles to achieve that goal, such as the repatriation of Palestinian refugees and the future of Jewish settlers.

Shaath said that the roadmap has pressurized both sides to seek lasting solutions which, he believes, will finally lead the Middle East peace process out of deadlock.

Turning to another main aim of his visit to China, Shaath said that he hoped China would provide more aid to Palestine for its economic construction.

"We also welcome Chinese investment in Palestine," he said.

According to a contract signed in Beijing on Friday, China will offer cash assistance for the reconstruction of destroyed Palestinian civilian homes.

"We treasure the traditional friendship with China, seeing it as our reliable friend and hope to expand co-operation with China," Shaath added.

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