Palestinian Authority and China establish strategic partnership, sign cooperation agreements

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Wednesday that they have established a strategic partnership and have signed several bilateral cooperation agreements, Reuters reports.

The announcement came during Abbas’ three-day visit to Beijing and demonstrates China’s historically good ties with the Palestinian Authority.

The terms of the partnership between China and the PA include economic and technological cooperation, mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passports, and a friendship between the Chinese city of Wuhan and Ramallah, Reuters reports.

China additionally announced it is willing to help kick-start the stalled peace talks between the PA and Israel, reiterating its commitment to a two-state solution. “The fundamental solution to the Palestinian issue lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Xi said in a statement. “We have always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights,” Xi said.

Xi also used Abbas’ visit to reiterate China’s wish to see the Palestinian Authority become a full member of the United Nations, rather than merely an Observer, Reuters said. The US and Israel are opposed to PA membership of the UN.

Finally, Xi added that the international community should increase development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians, Reuters reports.

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