Israeli President Shimon Peres Thursday lauded the great achievements made by China over the past 60 years when attending a reception held by Chinese Embassy in Israel to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

At the reception held at the residence of Chinese Ambassador to Israel Zhao Jun, Peres stressed that China currently plays an important role in the world.

He said that due to the great achievements made by China over the past 60 years, Chinese people are now becoming more affluent and confident, noting that "Israel loves China."

Highlighted the important role China is playing in the world, Peres said that "a peaceful China is a peaceful world."

Before Peres' speech, Zhao said that the reception was also held to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel.

China has made remarkable achievements over the years, said the Chinese ambassador, adding that despite the progress, China remains a developing country and will continue its development.

He added that the relationship between China and Israel is continuing to develop in many fields, while China is now Israel's biggest trading partner in Asia.

Zhao also mentioned the "Experience China in Israel" event, which will be held in October in Israel in a bid to show the development of China in many domains: education, economy, technology and especially the Chinese contemporary culture.

(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2009)