Palestinian National Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas met in Gaza Thursday with head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Wang Jiarui.

The two sides exchanged views on Sino-Palestinian relations and the latest development of the Mideast situation.

During their talks, Abbas expressed appreciation for the Chinese party and government which have long been pledging support for the Palestinian people and their struggle for statehood.

Abbas said the PNA would make continued efforts to develop the friendly relations between the two sides.

With Israel's withdrawal from all Gaza and the northern West Bank last month, the Palestinians are committed to contributing to a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region, Abbas added.

On his part, Wang extended cordial regards from Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao to Abbas and the Palestinian people, and expressed hope that the Mideast peace process could be pushed forward smoothly.

Wang will later head to the West Bank city of Ramallah for talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei.

Source: Xinhua