China and Israel have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a free-trade deal following a phone call between the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Israeli alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, on Wednesday. 

During their conversation, Lapid said Israel and China are two ancient nations that have created great civilizations, and now both are committed to accelerating the modernization process and have strong innovative capacity, adding that the two sides understand and appreciate each other.

Noting that the Israeli side regards China as a friend and has always adhered to the one-China principle since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, Lapid said the position has never changed and become an important foundation of its relations with China. 

Israel expects to maintain close high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation in various fields with China, he added. 

Wang said that the Chinese nation and the Jewish nation have helped each other in history, and today we should support each other even more. 

China appreciates Israel's adherence to the one-China principle and understanding of China's legitimate propositions in safeguarding its core interests, he noted, adding that China believes Israel will continue to support China's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Palestinian issue, the Ukrainian issue and the Iranian nuclear issue.

(With input from Xinhua)