Visiting Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Monday in Ramallah called for holding an international conference on the Middle East peace process, which is to be sponsored by the United Nations Security Council.

Tang made the statement at a joint news conference with chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Mahmoud Abbas following their meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Tang said China hopes the UN Security Council can play a constructive role in the Middle East peace process.

"The Security Council must be activated to take possible steps toward holding an international conference on the Middle East peace under its sponsorship.

"The two sides agreed that the opportunity must be grabbed and the peace process should be renewed and the roadmap plan should be implemented so as to establish an independent Palestinian state as soon as possible," Tang said.

He also urged the international community to exert every possible effort to ensure a smooth Palestinian presidential election due on Jan. 9.

"It is very important to create better humanitarian circumstances for the Palestinian people and to push the process of developments in the Palestinian territories," he added.

Tang revealed that he had conveyed a message from Chinese President Hu Jintao to Abbas.

Abbas, on his part, expressed optimism about making peace with Israel, saying, "We have no choice but to keep holding hope and we shall never loose hope."

Asked about the difficulties in the way to make peace with Israel, Abbas said, "Even if there are difficulties and obstacles for achieving peace, we should exert efforts to remove the obstacles."

"But the Israeli side should also show commitment," said Abbas, "It is certain that if the Israeli side believes in peace, we both will be able to reach it."

Several agreements have been signed on economic and technical cooperation between the two sides, including an agreement that China will offer the Palestinian National Authority a grant of nine million US dollars in the fields of education and agriculture.

The high-ranking Chinese delegation headed by Tang arrived in Ramallah earlier on Monday as part of China's efforts to push forward the Middle East peace process.

Palestinian sources said Abbas had briefed the Chinese delegation on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, especially the preparations for the coming presidential election.

The Chinese officials also met with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei and Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath and will hold talks with Israeli officials on Tuesday.