China, Israel sign cooperation agreements

Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have overseen a signing ceremony between the two countries in Beijing. The five agreements signed include agricultural, technological, and scientific cooperation.

It is Netanyahu's first visit abroad since securing his third term in late March. Prior to his trip to Beijing, Netanyahu stressed in Shanghai that China could be the engine for Israeli economic growth.

Apart from economic issues, the almost simultaneous visit to China by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has also caught the attention of the global community. During his meeting with Palestinian President Abbas, President Xi Jinping outlined his four-point proposal regarding issues in the Middle East. He encouraged negotiations to achieve peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping on Thursday.