Greetings from China's ambassador to the State of Israel
Though separated by the vast Eurasia continent, the Chinese and the Jewish people, two great nations with time-honored histories, have enjoyed friendly exchanges for more than 1,000 years.
By ZHAN YONGXINChinese Ambassador to Israel Zhan Yongxin(photo credit: EMBASSY OF CHINA IN ISRAEL)
Dear friends, It is my great pleasure to “meet” with you through this special edition magazine of China-Israel relations.Though separated by the vast Eurasia continent, the Chinese and the Jewish people, two great nations with time-honored histories, have enjoyed friendly exchanges for more than 1,000 years. We have created splendid civilizations but also endured untold sufferings, yet we have all risen after setbacks and are marching toward national rejuvenation.I am the seventh Chinese ambassador to Israel. Seven, in Jewish culture, represents creation, good fortune and blessings. I am indeed a fortunate ambassador.Over the past three years since I took the post, I had the privilege to witness and participate in the great progress of China-Israel relations.2017 was an auspicious year. In this year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-Israel diplomatic relations, and the successful China visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are by all means a highlight of the celebration. During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Netanyahu jointly announced the establishment of the China-Israel Innovative Comprehensive Partnership, which opened a new chapter of our friendly cooperation.As China-Israel relations open a new chapter, China’s development has also entered into a new era.China will redouble its reform and opening-up endeavor, pursue in-depth restructuring of its economy and cultivate greater common interest with countries across the world. No matter how China grows, we will remain committed to serving as the contributor of the free and open global economy, and to working with all countries to forge a new type of international relations and a community of shared interests for all mankind.I have no doubt that China, in the new era, will create more opportunities for Israel as well as all other countries, and China-Israel cooperation will embrace an even broader and brighter future that can bring more tangible benefits to our peoples.The magazine you are about to read will give you a glimpse of the past and present of China-Israel relations, including the overview of our cooperation and the reflections by Israeli friends. It tells the stories of where we are, how we got here and where we are bound.As a Chinese saying goes, the amity of the nations lies in the friendship between their peoples. I hope this magazine will add to your knowledge on our friendship, and if possible, encourage you to join our efforts to lead this friendship to a better tomorrow.Wishing you a joyful reading, Zhan Yongxin Ambassador of The People’s Republic of China to the State of Israel
