On the afternoon of July 19, 2017, Premier Li Keqiang met at the Great Hall of the People with President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine, who was in China for a state visit.

Li Keqiang expressed that China and Palestine enjoy a profound traditional friendship, and always respect and support each other. Yesterday, President Xi Jinping held fruitful talks with you, which vigorously promotes bilateral friendly cooperative relations for in-depth development. As a trustworthy friend of Palestine, China has always paid close attention to and actively supported the Middle East peace process, and firmly supported the Palestinian people to strive for the restoration of the legitimate national rights. A peaceful and secure Middle East is vital to the peace and stability of the region and the world at large. China is willing to continuously give play to its influence, fully supports and actively participates in the efforts of the international community for mediation and peace talks.

Li Keqiang pointed out that peace and development are pre-conditions and guarantees for each other. China is ready to deepen practical cooperation with Palestine to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Both sides can start with the sound implementation of cooperation in the existing major areas, and promote it through bilateral and multilateral dialogues and consultations. Both countries need to strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, infrastructure, human resources, capacity building and other areas to improve economic development and people's well-being of Palestine.

Mahmoud Abbas expressed that Palestine and China share mutual understanding and trust, with sound development of bilateral relations. Palestine appreciates China's stance and proposition on the Palestine issue and thanks China for the long-term and important support to Palestine. The country stands ready to, together with China, maintain high-level exchanges, and enhance cooperation in such areas as industrial parks, clean energy and personnel training, in a bid to advance bilateral friendly cooperative relations for healthy development.

On the afternoon of the same day, Mahmoud Abbas laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes.