Arafat in Peking next week

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is heading on Monday to China to fulfill an invitation from Chinese leaders to visit Peking.

Palestinian sources said that Arafat will meet during his three-day visit with Chinese President Jiang Zemin, and high-ranking officials in the state's leadership to discuss bilateral relations and new developments surrounding the stumbled peace process.

The sources added that Zemin and Arafat will sign a joint cultural and economic agreements for joint cooperation.

China has presented to the Palestinian government $13 million in financial support since the establishment of the Palestinian government. This support was used in implementing development projects and medical aid.

The Palestinian president is expected to travel to the US after visiting China.