STORY: Palestinians positive on Abbas' visit to China
DATELINE: June 15, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:30
LOCATION: RAMALLAH, Palestine
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Beijing
2. various of Palestine
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): AHMED RAFIQ AWAD, Ramallah-based political analyst
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MAZEN SHAMIEH, Former assistant minister for Palestinian Foreign Ministry             

STORYLINE:

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is paying a state visit to China from Tuesday to Friday.

Palestinian officials and analysts have said that Abbas' visit will have a positive impact on the Palestinian issue.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): AHMED RAFIQ AWAD, Ramallah-based political analyst
"President Abbas' meeting with the Chinese leadership is very important because China is a great, pivotal and balanced country that is always committed to international resolutions regarding the Palestinian issue, and is also committed to the rights of the Palestinian people, and this position has not changed at all.
In our foreign policies, we depend on the firm positions in international forums, especially the UN Security Council.
The Chinese position is translated into actions, not just words. China translates (its position) into agreements and political support in the world.
China contributes to pushing toward a solution to the Palestinian issue."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MAZEN SHAMIEH, Former assistant minister for Palestinian Foreign Ministry
"China now is a basic partner for countries of the world, especially Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. Therefore, strengthening its relations with the Palestinian side will help and contribute to mobilizing international support for the Palestinian cause in all forums."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ramallah, Palestine.
(XHTV)