JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday called for increased economic and trade cooperation between Israel and China, during a meeting with a delegation of Chinese students at his office in Jerusalem.

Both Israel and China have witnessed profound changes and enjoyed quick development in the past few decades, Netanyahu said, adding that "Therefore, we must increase bilateral cooperation in all areas."

He then cited an Israeli railway project as an example of deepening cooperation between Israel and China.

China and Israel are studying the possibility of building a railroad in Israel to link the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea, Netanyahu said, adding that the railway will provide an alternative to the Suez Canal for the transportation of cargos between Europe and Asia.

The Chinese students, who major Hebrew or Arabic in China's universities, arrived in Israel on July 10 for a nearly one-month homestay visit, during which they live with Jewish and Arab Israeli families in nine Israel's cities.

The visit is organized to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and China.

Also present at the meeting were China's Charge d'affaires Shi Yong and mayors of some Israeli cities where the Chinese students are staying.