On May 18, 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council met with visiting President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas in the Great Hall of the People.

Wen sang high praise for China-Palestine relations, saying that over more than half a century the China-Palestine friendship remains unbreakable despite of huge changes in the international and regional situations. China is willing to continue to work with Palestine to constantly push forward bilateral relations.

Talking about China-Palestine economic and trade relations, Wen said that in recent years the China-Palestine economic and trade cooperation has achieved rapid progress. A group of infrastructure construction projects assisted by China have completed and generated sound social and economic benefits in Palestine. China and Palestine should further strengthen the economic cooperation between the two governments, implement the bilateral agreements on economic, trade and technological cooperation and provide more human resources development training. China stands ready to help Palestine train a greater number of professionals. Both sides should encourage the non-governmental commercial exchanges and strengthen the non-governmental economic and trade ties through various mechanisms including the China-Arab Cooperation Forum.

Wen appreciates the active efforts of Palestine and President Abbas of pushing for Palestine-Israel peace talks and noted that China is willing to play a constructive role in pushing forward the Middle East peace process.

Abbas said that the Palestinian people cherish their traditional friendship with China and are grateful for the consistent support and help of the Chinese government to Palestine. Palestine expects to work with China to strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation and implement related cooperation projects. It welcomes more Chinese businesses to invest in the country.

Abbas noted that Palestine consistently seeks solutions to its conflict with Israel through negotiations, implements the "roadmap" plan and push for the Middle East peace process.