Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel is willing to resolve the Middle East issue through peaceful negotiations.

He made the remark during his talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon.

Israel is ready to settle the Middle East issue through peaceful negotiations on the basis of peaceful co-existence of "two countries", Olmert added.

Premier Wen told him China stands up for Israel and Palestine to realize peaceful co-existence of "two countries and two nations" for common development.

"History and reality have proven that force cannot settle the Middle East issue but it can only increase estrangement and animosity," Wen said.

Considering the Palestinian issue as the core of the Middle East issue, Wen said China hopes Israel, Syria and Lebanon could take concrete measures to build mutual trust and create conditions for resumption of peace talks.

"China is ready to contribute to the Middle East peace process as well as dialogues between the Arab world and Israel," Premier Wen said.

Olmert appreciated China's efforts over the years in promoting the Middle East peace process. He also pledged to keep contacts with China on this matter.

Source: Xinhua