PM OLMERT'S CHINA VISIT

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000315 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2017 TAGS: PREL CH IS SUBJECT: PM OLMERT'S CHINA VISIT Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Daniel Shields. Reasons 1. 4 (b/d) Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) The January 9-11 China visit by PM Olmert, the first visit to China by an Israeli Prime Minister in nine years, was very good with regard to atmospherics, with the Chinese accentuating the positive on areas of Israel-China policy agreement on Iran and the Middle East, although there were no major substantive developments, according to the Israeli DCM. PM Wen told PM Olmert that China continues to work on Iran on the nuclear weapons issue, but China supports Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. PM Olmert rejected the idea that Iran has any right to peaceful use of nuclear energy as long as Iran is calling for the destruction of the State of Israel. End Summary. First Israeli PM to Visit China in Nine Years -------------- ¶2. (C) Embassy of Israel DCM DJ Schneeweiss provided a readout to Polmincouns January 12 regarding the January 9-11 China visit by Prime Minister Olmert, the first visit to China by an Israeli Prime Minister since a visit by then-PM Netanyahu nine years ago. The visit marked the 15th anniversary of Israel-China diplomatic relations and was part of PM Olmert's round of visits to P5 capitals. PM Olmert's main meetings were with President Hu and Premier Wen. Israel saw the visit as very good with regard to atmospherics, with the Chinese accentuating the positive on areas of Israel-China policy agreement on Iran and the Middle East, although there were no major substantive developments. Discussions focused on Iran, the Middle East and bilateral issues. Iraq, counterterrorism, nonproliferation and military-to-military matters were not discussed, according to Schneeweiss. Iran -------------- ¶3. (C) On Iran, Schneeweiss said PM Wen told PM Olmert that China continues to work on Iran on the nuclear weapons issue, but China supports Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. PM Olmert rejected the idea that Iran has any right to peaceful use of nuclear energy as long as Iran is calling for the destruction of the State of Israel. The Chinese reaffirmed their opposition to Iranian calls for the destruction of Israel. Beijing rejects any denial of the Holocaust. China upholds nonproliferation principles and supports international efforts to prevent Iran from getting such weapons, the Chinese said. Middle East -------------- ¶4. (C) Regarding the Middle East, Schneeweiss said the Chinese expressed sympathy for Israel's historical plight and called for a comprehensive resolution of outstanding issues in the region. The Chinese side said violence engenders additional violence. Peace requires a two-state solution and a land-for-peace approach. PM Olmert said Israel appreciates China's support for peace. Bilateral -------------- ¶5. (C) Schneeweiss said Israel and China agreed to try to increase the level of bilateral trade to USD 10 billion by ¶2010. The former target had been USD five billion by 2008. The two countries agreed to try to expand bilateral cooperation on hi-tech promotion seed capital programs and on companies from each country establishing R&D centers in the other country. PM Olmert suggested focusing on agricultural hydrotech. He visited a dairy farm that uses advanced Israeli methods. The two sides tried but failed to conclude in time for the visit an "Approved Destination Status" agreement to facilitate travel to Israel by Chinese tourists. Efforts to reach such an agreement are continuing, Schneeweiss said. SEDNEY