On November 28, 2007, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met in the U.S. capital of Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Yang said that China and Israel witness a rapid development of friendly cooperation in various fields such as politics, economy and trade, science and technology, and culture and education on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The Chinese side, he said, will work with the Israeli side to earnestly implement important consensus reached between leaders of the two sides to enhance political dialogue, expand trade and deepen cooperation in such fields as agriculture, high technologies, startup investment and public health in a bid to elevate bilateral ties to a new high.

On the Middle East issue, the Chinese minister said the international Middle East peace conference held in Annapolis marked a new phase of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. He said China hopes that both sides would seize the opportunity to respect history, take reality into consideration, look to the future, pay attention to both sides' interests and speed up negotiations on the final status issues for a proper settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. China also hopes to see an early resumption of talks on the Israel-Syria and Israel-Lebanon tracks for a comprehensive solution of issues in the region at an earlier date, he added. He hoped and believed that the Israeli side can show wisdom and courage in this regard. As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and a friend both for Israelis and Arabs, Yang said, China will as always support and actively engage in the international peace efforts and will play a constructive role in pushing for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Olmert said Israel and China enjoy a traditional friendship and witness a smooth development of bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He said Israel favors a strong relationship with China and will be committed to all-level exchanges and close cooperation of mutual benefits between the two countries, adding that Israel wishes the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games a great success.

The prime minister said that the international Middle East peace conference is of great significance, pledging to strengthen contacts with the Palestinian side to push forward the peace process. Israel attaches great importance to China's role in the Middle East issue and is willing to enhance communications and coordination with China in this respect.