The Commemorative Meeting on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was held in the headquarters of the United Nations in New York on November 29. Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council sent a message of congratulations. The full text of the message is as follows:

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I would like to extend warm congratulations on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

With the realization of a meeting between Palestinian and Israeli leaders this year, bilateral relations are continuously improving. Israel's pullout from the Gaza strip and part of the West Bank of the Jordan River marks an important step forward for the issue between Palestine and Israel. We appreciate the move and hope that both Palestine and Israel can grasp the opportunity and remove the obstacles to support the efforts of the international community in promoting peace and jointly push forward the peace process.

The core of the Middle East issue is the Palestinian question. The solution of the problem is to conduct political negotiations on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and the "land for peace" principle and to create an independent Palestinian state in accordance with the "roadmap" program.

The resolution of the Palestinian question needs the political will and courage of both parties as well as the lasting and fair support and help of the international community. The United Nations bears important responsibilities in this regard. China would like to work with the rest of the world to make unswerving efforts for the early realization of peace and stability in the Middle East.