BEIJING, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) — A reception was held here Thursday to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people and the first China-Arab Friendship Day.

    The reception was co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-Arab Friendship Association (CAFA).

    Tomur Dawamat, president of CAFA, said China has always advocated peaceful settlement of Palestinian issue through political negotiation on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and the “land for peace” principle.

    ”As a true friend of Palestine, China will continue to support the righteous cause of Palestinian people and play a constructive role in the Mideast peace process,” Tomur said.

    The United Nations designated Nov. 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people in a resolution adopted in 1977.

    Sino-Arab Friendship Conference which was held in Khartoum of Sudan in 2006 ended with a decision of designating China-Arab Friendship Day on Nov. 29.