Beijing, May 31 (RHC)-- President Xi Jinping has signalled China’s desire for closer ties with the Arab world in a speech to the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing.

Speaking on Wednesday, Xi addressed Bahrain, Egypt, the UAE and Tunisia’s heads of state, as well as foreign ministers from other Arab League nations.

Among other proposals were several pledges to the Palestinian cause, including a donation of $3m to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and a promise of Chinese support in the reconstruction of Gaza, the Reuters news agency reports.

Xi also reiterated Chinese backing for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and full membership of the United Nations. He added that Israel’s war on Gaza cannot continue indefinitely and the “two-state solution” cannot be wavered.