China on Wednesday endorsed efforts to create an independent Palestinian state as Riyadh hardened its accusations that Israel is preventing a settlement of the Middle East conflict. Criticizing Israel's refusal to freeze construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said: “This is the longest conflict in modern times.” “The reason why this conflict is long is the refusal by Israel of all attempts to end this conflict. Arab countries have done their job with the Arab Peace Initiative, which gives Israel security, and gives the Arab countries the restoration of their lands. “But peace should be established by two sides, not just one side. If one side does not want peace, this will not be achieved,” he said. He was speaking at a joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. “China will continue its support for the Palestinian effort to establish an independent state,” the Chinese foreign minister said. Yang said that China supports the principles of a two-state solution under the Saudi-driven Arab Peace Initiative, which calls for an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders and with Jerusalem as its capital. These comments came as both the Washington and Riyadh have increased efforts to push the Palestinians and Israelis into final-status peace talks that would result in an independent Palestinian state. The Saudi foreign minister said that the visit of the Chinese foreign minister was taking place in the backdrop of the developing relations between the two friendly countries and the keenness of their respective leaderships to further develop and consolidate it in all fields. Exchanged visits on leadership levels reflected the scope of co-ordination among the officials of the two sides, he added. “I would like to point out that relations between our two countries proceed in accordance to an institutional framework, through various accords and memorandum of understanding, covering political, economic, cultural, and sports fields, etc,” he said.?Commenting on the situation in Iraq, the prince expressed the hope that the upcoming elections might help stabilize the country. The Saudi foreign minister said that the two countries had pledged to fight the menace of terrorism in all its manifestations. He stressed the need for concerted global efforts to fight terrorism through exchange of information and other joint plans. The prince said that the Kingdom wished Yemen to emerge victorious in its struggle against terrorism. The Chinese foreign minister said that his visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China, noting that, during the meeting, he exchanged views with Prince Saud Al-Faisal on crucial issues concerning both the countries.?He said he agreed with his Saudi counterpart to exert more effort to enhance relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Peoples Republic of China, noting that cooperation between the two countries is a comprehensive one at all levels and that China is keen to always boost its ties with the Kingdom.?He said that China calls for serious negotiations between Palestine and Israel to carry out the peace process and establish an independent Palestinian state. He said that China is ready for cooperation with the world community to work for the stability of the situation in the Mideast.?On Iraq, he said China has extended assistance to Iraq through reducing its debts and forging agreements between Chinese and Iraqi companies for investment in Iraq with the aim of supporting the Iraqi economy.?The Chinese foreign minister said that the Iranian nuclear issue should be solved through diplomatic channels.?He informed the audience that he had extended an invitation to Prince Saud Al-Faisal for an official visit to China and to attend the Chinese Arab Meeting to be hosted by China this year. ?Later, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Wednesday called on King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and conveyed to him greetings of Chinese President Hu Jintao.
