RAMALLAH, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- A senior Palestinian official said that the historical ties between China and Palestine are unwavering, expressing appreciation for China's political and economic support for the Palestinian cause.
In an interview with Xinhua, Abbas Zaki, Fatah Party commissioner for relations with Arab countries and China, hailed China's efforts toward openness and sustainable development.
"We highly appreciate this great role. We are grateful that our relations have significantly progressed," Zaki said.
He pointed to China's contribution in the construction of the Palestinian Foreign Ministry building and donation for a solar energy project, expressing hope for more cooperation in new projects.
On Sept. 21, top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang will visit Palestine, the highest ranking Chinese official to visit Palestine since April 2000.
During his visit, Zhang is expected to hold talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.
Commenting on the visit, Zaki said that his Fatah party and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is looking forward to meeting Zhang, stressing that the historical relations are translated through economic initiatives and political support that the Palestinians will always remember and value.
He expressed hope that cooperation would be expanded through development projects or investments "because this is one of the main tracks toward the progress of Palestinians and the enhancement of Palestinian-Chinese relations."
Zaki said that China is taking up a bigger role, with efforts by the country's special envoys for the Middle East.
With regard to economic cooperation, Zaki said that coming projects would include joint industrial areas that can bring economic benefits to both sides, especially through China's Belt and Road Initiative.
The initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, refers to building a Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.
Zaki is scheduled to lead a Palestinian delegation to visit China in late October and discuss potential economic ventures and joint projects with Chinese officials.