China's Premier Wen Jiabao (R) and Israel 's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert pose for photo during a signing ceremony for cooperation agreements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Jan. 10, 2007.   Beijing, Jan.11 - In talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao proposed that the two countries deepen scientific and technological cooperation, especially in the information technology, agriculture, life science and energy sectors, as this year marks the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Israel.

 

Premier Wen said China supports the achievement by Israel and Palestine of peaceful co-existence of "two countries and two nations" for common development.

 

Wen said China sees the Palestinian issue as the core of the Middle East issue, and hopes Israel, Syria and Lebanon will take concrete measures to build mutual trust and create conditions for the resumption of peace talks.

 

Olmert said Israel is willing to resolve the Middle East issue through peaceful negotiations.

 

Negotiations must be based on the peaceful co-existence of the "two countries", Olmert added.

 

Olmert appreciated China's efforts over the years in promoting the Middle East peace process. He also pledged to keep contacts with China on this matter.

 

On the Iranian nuclear issue, Wen reiterated China's support for the maintenance of the international non-proliferation system.