BEIJING, July 19, 2017 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas stressed on Wednesday the importance of the peace initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which calls for achieving a two-state solution of Palestine and Israel, boosting mutual security cooperation, and peace through development.

Addressing the Chinese Academy of Governance in Beijing, Abbas said he was ready to cooperate with China on setting up the appropriate mechanisms to achieve the initiative.

He also declared his support for holding Chinese-Palestinian-Israeli political conferences in China to examine ways to advance peace in the Middle East region.

“Our hands are extended to peace in spite of the suffering we are facing from the occupation, settlements, repression and violence,” said Abbas, adding: “We look forward to getting back to negotiations. We look forward to the role of your country [China], the international Quartet, the Arab states, the Security Council and the effective countries in making peace a reality in the land of peace.”

On the current Gulf crisis that involves Qatar and its neighboring countries and Egypt, Abbas expressed hope that Kuwait will succeed in finding a solution to the crisis but adding that the Palestinian issue remains however a priority to the international community in spite of these developments.

M.N./M.K.