Chinese foreign ministry Wang Yi began his first official trip to the Middle East Tuesday as Beijing attempts to increase its political and economic influence in the region.
Wang reportedly told US secretary of state John Kerry the main aim of his trip is to bring the Israelis and Palestinians together for peace talks. In Jerusalem, Wang will meet with prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu, president Shimon Peres, and foreign minister Avigdor Liberman.
In May, Xi Jinping hosted Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and called for the creation of a separate Palestinian state. Beijing has offered to host peace talks between Israel and Palestinian representatives.
Wang will visit Israel, the Palestinian territories, Algeria, Morocco and Saudi Arabia during his 10 day trip.
Before he left for the region, Wang outlined the foreign ministry's targets for 2014, including enhanced ties with big powers and economic diplomacy. Wang said China will increase cooperation with the US and Russia in various fields, as well as coordinate development strategies with the European Union and enhance cooperation with other developing powers.
[Image via SCMP]
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