Xi stressed that the Palestinian question has remained unresolved for over half a century, causing great sufferings to the Palestinian people; justice must be done to Palestine as soon as possible. He put forward a three-point proposal.
First, the fundamental solution lies in the establishment of an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with east Jerusalem as its capital.
Second, Palestine’s economic and livelihood needs should be met, and the international community needs to step up development assistance and humanitarian aid to Palestine.
Third, it is important to keep to the right direction of peace talks. The historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem should be respected, and excessive and provocative words and actions should be avoided. A large-scale, more authoritative and more influential international peace conference should be convened so as to create conditions for the resumption of peace talks and contribute tangible efforts to help Palestine and Israel live in peace.
China stands ready to play an positive role to assist Palestine in achieving internal reconciliation and promote peace talks.
Abbas spoke highly of China’s successful mediating role between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and thanked China for putting forward a number of proposals for an early and just settlement of the Palestinian question. Palestine has faith in China’s wisdom and impartial position, and wishes to see China play a greater role in promoting reconciliation within Palestine and facilitating peace in the Middle East.
