http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-01/13/content_10647852.htm
*FM: China to boost cooperation with Arabs*
*CAIRO*, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- *Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi* on
Monday met with *Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin
Alawi bin Abdullah* in Oman's capital city of Muscat, where Yang is en route
to an African tour.
During a brief stay in the Gulf country, the Chinese minister told the
Omani official that China is willing to boost Sino-Arab cooperation in
various fields and work with Arab countries in solving the ongoing
Palestinian-Israeli conflicts.
The two top diplomats agreed to maintain high-level visits and
diversified communications between the two countries. China and Oman would
tap the potential of economic cooperation, expand bilateral investment and
trade and strengthen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture,
culture, education, health and other promising areas.
They are also willing to witness further cooperation between China and
the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC), which groups Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman,
Qatar, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates.
As for the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Yang said the Chinese
government is deeply worried about the situation in the Gaza Strip, calling
on the parties concerned to strike an immediate ceasefire and where Israel
should immediately withdraw its troops.
China has always proposed that the Palestinian-Israeli conflicts be
resolved through political negotiation on the basis of related UN
resolutions, the "Land for Peace" principle, "the Arab Peace Initiative" and
the "Road Map" plan, he said.
China is willing to cooperate with the Arab countries and international
community and play a constructive role in settling the issue via political
channels, the Chinese official stressed.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi is scheduled to visit Uganda,
Rwanda, Malawi, South Africa, Brazil and Portugal from Jan.13 to 21,
according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry
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