On November 18, 2009, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun held talks in the Foreign Ministry with Israel's Foreign Ministry Director-General Yosef Gal, exchanging views on bilateral ties and regional hotspot issues.

Zhai said the relations between China and Israel are developing very well with huge potential for cooperation. China is ready to conduct wide-ranging and multi-level exchange with Israel, in particular the cooperation in the areas of agriculture, science and technology, new energy and environmental protection.

When talking about the Middle East issue, Zhai emphasized that China attaches importance to the issue and hopes that Israel and Palestine will resume peace talks at the earliest date possible based on relevant UN resolutions, the "land for peace" principle and the "roadmap" plan to achieve peaceful coexistence of the two states of Palestine and Israel at an early date. China will continue to make positive efforts towards this end.

Gal noted that the Israeli government attaches great importance to ties with China and is ready to engage in extensive cooperation with China. He hoped that China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the Middle East peace process.