China, Lebanon discuss bilateral ties
Lebanon, Politics, 12/20/1997

China's foreign minister discussed with Lebanese officials Friday bilateral ties and the Middle East peace process. Qian Qichen, who arrived in Lebanon late Thursday, expressed his country's interest in investing in Lebanon's ambitious reconstruction program.

Qian met with his Lebanese counterpart Fares Boueiz, as well as with President Elias Hrawi and Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

The minister said his country was behind a full Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon, in line with United Nations resolution 425. China, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, has recently been working on playing a more active role in the region.

"The peace process will progress if United Nations resolution 425 is implemented," he said.

He added his country would be happy to play a role in finding a peaceful solution to the stalled peace negotiations between Israel and the Arabs.

Qian's visit was also a follow up on agreements signed between China and Lebanon during a visit by Hariri to China in 1995.

The two sides on Friday signed an initial agreement for a $600,000 Chinese grant to Lebanon.

Qian's visit to Lebanon is the first stop in a tour of the region which will also take him to Israel, Egypt, Syria and the Palestinian territories.

Previous Stories:
  Chinese foreign minister starts regional tour   (12/19/1997)
  Economic Cooperation Between Libya and China   (12/12/1997)
  Egypt tries to find new international balance in Asia   (12/10/1997)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search