President Shimon Peres called Thursday for direct negotiations with Syria if its stated desire for peace talks is genuine, at a meeting with China's special envoy to the Middle East.

"If Syria wants real peace, there is no substitute for direct negotiations between it and Israel, to be held at a meeting between leaders which will signify mutual recognition," Peres told Chinese envoy Sun Bigan at his official residence in Jerusalem.

The newly-appointed president spoke a day after the United Nation's Middle East envoy said that after recent contacts with Syrian officials, he believes Damascus is interested in restarting peace talks with Israel.

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Peres invited Chinese President Hu Jintao for a formal visit to Israel, as a guest next year at celebrations marking 60 years since the state's establishment.

The president added that it is encouraging to see a country of China's size and influence not drunk on its own strength, but acting to create a positive balance of power throughout throught world.

According to the president, Israel should increase joint projects with China, especially in the field of High-Tech.

On Wednesday, Science, Sport and Culture Minister Ghaleb Majadele (Labor) asked Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to send him to Damascus as a goodwill emissary.