Israeli minister calls for closer bilateral cooperation with China

Israel and China should tap further the potential in bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, education, high tech and trade, Israeli Minister of National Infrastructures Silvan Shalom said Wednesday.

Shalom made the comments at a reception held in honor of the new Chinese Ambassador Zhan Yongxin in the central Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has always called on cabinet members to deepen the cooperation between Israel and China, Shalom said, adding that Israel and China "are doing very well" now in bilateral cooperation in such fields as agriculture, high tech, innovation and trade.

Shalom said Israel is a small country, but is strong in high tech and innovation, with a large number of start-up companies listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange.

"There has never been a better time to apply Israel's innovative ideas in China and collaborate together for building a better future," he said.

Shalom expressed his hope that Israel can be added to the list of approved overseas tourism destinations by the Chinese government in the future so that Israel would attract more Chinese tourists.

Shalom also voiced his gratitude to the Chinese people for providing shelter for thousands of Jews during the Second World War.

"The State of Israel will never forget the goodwill of the Chinese people who provided shelter for thousands of persecuted Jews in the darkest hours," he said.

"When the rest of the world stood still, China, which was fighting for its own survival at that time, found enough compassion and noble spirit to reach hand for their ancient friends and to save lives," he added. Endit