Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (File Photo)
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    During Olmert's visit, the first since he took office last May, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao will meet or hold talks with him respectively on China-Israel relations, regional and international issues of common concern, sources with Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

    He is also expected to attend a series of activities marking the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-Israel diplomatic ties, the sources added.

    Before his China visit, Olmert highlighted in an interview with Xinhua in Jerusalem that the development of the relations with China is "exciting" and "promising".

    He stressed that China is not only a big economic power, but an important country which plays a significant role in some regional and global issues.

    "Anything China can contribute to facilitate the political dialogue is something Israel will always welcome," Olmert said.

    As a son of a former Jewish resident in China, Olmert said he had a spiritual tie with the Asian country.

    "The Chinese culture is part of my heritage and part of my earliest memory as a young kid in the state of Israel," the Israeli Prime Minister said.

    Related:

    Olmert: Development of Israel-China ties promising

    JERUSALEM, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- On the eve of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-Israel diplomatic ties, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Friday that the development of bilateral relations is exciting and promising.

    Olmert is expected to visit China this month, which marks the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Israel, from Jan. 9 to 11.

    In an interview with Xinhua in Jerusalem, Olmert said that he wanted to further promote cooperation in industry and business, and to increase the volume of trade between the two countries. 
　　
　　    Israeli PM to visit China

    BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will pay an official visit to China from Jan. 9 to 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao announced here Thursday.

    During his visit, Liu said, the two sides will hold in-depth discussions on the Middle East issue.