The Chinese Embassy in Israel celebrated 69 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China with a reception at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art on Sunday.
At the event, Chinese Ambassador to Israel Zhan Yongxin spoke of the special significance of this year's celebrations.
"Sixty-nine years ago, on Oct. 1, 1949, the People's Republic was founded. The Chinese people, having gone through more than 100 years of hard struggle, finally witnessed the rebirth of their nation and embarked on a glorious journey for dignity, prosperity and strength," he said.
"This year's national day celebration carries special significance, as it also marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up – an endeavor that transformed China and the world."
Zhan praised China-Israel ties, calling bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, technology, agriculture, education, health care, culture and academia "strong and vibrant."
"Last year, Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu paid a successful visit to China. During the visit, the leaders of our two countries announced the establishment of the China-Israel Innovative Comprehensive Partnership, elevating the bilateral relations to a new level and charting the course for our future cooperation," Zhan said.
Noting that while bilateral trade was $50 million in 1992, by 2017 it had surged past $13 billion and that China is now Israel's largest trading partner in Asia and the third-largest globally.
"People-to-people and cultural exchanges are booming. … In 2017, the number of Chinese people visiting Israel reached 139,000, almost three times as many as in 2015. The number of visitors from Israel to China has also increased to 52,000, demonstrating an equally strong momentum. Last November, the Chinese Culture Center opened in Tel Aviv, establishing another channel for Israeli people to understand more about China through its culture," Zhan said.
"I have every confidence that China and Israel will embrace more opportunities for cooperation.
"The China-Israel relations would not have come this far without the support and contribution of our friends and colleagues in Israel. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for your continued interest in and support for China's progress and China-Israel relations. We look forward to working hand in hand with our friends in Israel to create a better future for both countries and peoples."
Also at the event, Science Minister Ofir Akunis presented Zhan with a gift and said, "When it comes to two ancient nations, the 26 years in which we have relations is not very long."
