UPDATE - EU, China have responsibility towards 2-state solution to Israel-Palestine conflict, says bloc's leader

UPDATES WITH COMMENTS BY EU LEADERS; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - The EU and China have responsibilities to work for peace and security, and find solutions to global challenges including in the Middle East, an EU leader said on Thursday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Beijing and the European bloc need "to do everything possible to work for a two-state solution in the Middle East."

She was apparently referring to the war in Gaza which has ignited calls for a fast-tracking two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

She made the comments during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, alongside European Council President Charles Michel.

Later, von der Leyen and Michel held the 24th China-EU bilateral summit with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

It has been their first in-person China-EU summit since 2019.

Calling for an end to the Russian war in Ukraine, von der Leyen said: "We have a shared interest in peace and security, in the effective functioning of the rules-based international order."

Michel also emphasized that the EU and China share a responsibility to work for peace and respect for the principles of the UN Charter.

"More peace and more stability – good for Europe, good for the world," he said on X.

On relations with China, the EU commission chief called for "rebalance" in economic ties.

"China is the EU's most important trading partner. But there are clear imbalances and differences that we must address. We both recognize the importance of de-risking and strengthening the resilience of our economies," she said.

Xi, for his part, said that China and Europe are two major forces developing multipolarity, making relations between the two essential for global peace and security.

"China and Europe are two major forces advancing multipolarity, two major markets in support of globalization, and two major civilizations championing diversity," Xi said.

He added that the two sides should uphold the comprehensive strategic partnership and remain partners for mutually beneficial cooperation.

"The relationship between China and Europe is essential to global peace, stability and prosperity. It is incumbent on both sides to provide greater stability for the world, stronger impetus for development, and more inspiration and support for global governance," he said.

*With contributions by Islamuddin Sajid