Zhao John, Beijing's representative to the Middle East, arrived in Israel and met with Foreign Minister Katz and PA Chairman Abbas • "China-Israel cooperation has the potential to grow"

• China's envoy to the Middle East Zhai John // Photo: AP

Zhao John, the Chinese government's special envoy to the Middle East, has made his first visit to Israel this week since taking office in September. He is China's fifth envoy in the Middle East since the role was created almost two decades ago.

Zhaj has visited Israel many times before, as he has held other positions in the Chinese government, including as Deputy Foreign Minister, and an ambassador to several countries, but this is the first time he has met with government officials in Israel and the Palestinian Authority as part of his new role, and he sees progress in the prospects for peace.

"When I was in charge of the Middle East in the Foreign Ministry, I visited Israel many times and I am very happy to return to the country today, and I see that there have been a lot of changes," he said at a meeting with the media in Tel Aviv yesterday.

"Over the past two days, I met with the PA chairman and the Israeli foreign minister and the talks were in good spirits, and I was impressed that both sides were willing to resolve the conflict peacefully," he said. "Israel and Palestine are both China's companies, and China sincerely hopes the issues will be resolved. Sustainably so that both parties have a peaceful life, ”he added.

Regarding the possibility of an election coming soon, he said: "Regardless of the election results, as a courier I look forward to continuing the cooperation and exchange of ideas with the Israeli members."

According to Zai, Chinese efforts to make peace in the region are also well integrated into the Chinese desire to foster an extensive relationship with the rest of the world based on the development of developed trade routes under the initiative known as "One Belt, One Way" (or "Belt and Road" initiative). Asked how well this initiative plays a role in the economic component of his efforts, he replied: "When there is more development, it is easier to make peace."

He said, "Given the fact that Israel-China relations and cooperation are strong, I am sure that under the" One Belt One Way "initiative, China-Israel cooperation will grow with potential. The Middle East is an important component of the Belt and Road Initiative, there is much that can be developed in the region. , In the field of infrastructure and connectivity, and China is ready and willing to talk about this development, and I sincerely expect to strive for it, even personally, I will work hard for it to happen, and I have discussed it with Minister Katz and we agree on many points on the issue. " Chinese companies in Israel are based on common interest and mutual respect, while complying with the law.