On June 21, 2005, Israeli President Moshe Katsav met with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in the presidential residence. Both sides held cordial and friendly talks.

Katsav said that the Jewish people have similar historical experience with the Chinese people and today the two countries share many common interests. He was deeply impressed by his visit to China in 2003. Israel attaches great importance to the role of China in the international and regional affairs, hopes to develop the long-term friendly partnership with China and expects to further strengthen the bilateral exchanges and cooperation and build up mutual understanding and friendship. As a friend of the Chinese people he will continue to make efforts to promote the development of Israel-China relations.

Li said that over years with similar historical experience the Chinese and the Jewish people treat each other sincerely, extend mutual understanding and help to each other and have built deep friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries the bilateral relations have been developing rapidly with increasing exchanges and expanding cooperation areas. We admire the contributions of His Excellency Mr. President to promote the progress of bilateral ties and are willing to work with Israel to implement the common consensus reached between His Excellency Mr. President and the Chinese leaders in a bid to harvest more fruits of China-Israel friendly cooperation.

When talking about the Middle East situation, Katsav indicated that Israel is willing to solve the problem between Israel and Palestine through peaceful negotiations. The visit of Chinese foreign minister to Israel and Palestine is a contribution to the peace process in the region and it is hoped that China continues to play its role. Li noted that China is committed to world and regional peace and stability and will as always work with the international community to make efforts towards the peace process in the Middle East.

Both sides also exchanged opinions on the reform of the UN. On the same day Li held talks with the members of the Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee of the Israeli Knesset on the bilateral, international and regional issues of common concern and visited the Holocaust Museum.