Zvi Heifetz (R), Israeli Ambassador to China, gives an exclusive interview to Xinhuanet in Beijing, capital of China, on Jan. 23, 2017. (Xinhuanet/He Xianfeng)
Chinese-Israeli relations can be even stronger and better, said Zvi Heifetz, the new Israeli Ambassador to China, during an exclusive interview with Xinhuanet on Monday.
China and Israel mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Tuesday.
To improve the bilateral relations is his task in the future, and he will try his best, said the ambassador.
"We started our relations twenty five years ago with a lot of hopes. I think the reality is even better than we dreamed of twenty five years ago,'' he said.
It is not only because of the economic cooperation between the two countries, but also spirits of the two peoples, he explained.
"We share the ancient history. But we also share our modern history," he added.
The ambassador stressed the bilateral cooperation not only in the fields of high-tech and innovation, but also in traditional economy of mutual interests.
He wished to "see more delegations, more cooperation, more agreements, more students, more tourists from China to Israel."
He also praised what China has achieved in recent years, saying "we are very happy to share it (innovation experience) with our Chinese friends. But we also have a lot to learn from our Chinese friends."
Talking about the Belt and Road Initiative, the ambassador said, "It involves a lot of communications, Internet, technology. We can be part of that."
He wanted more high-level exchanges between the two sides under this initiative. "We are going to have a lot of meetings this year," he added.
According to Zvi Heifetz, enough funds have been channeled to improve Israel's tourism industry as it is ready to present itself to more Chinese tourists.
The ambassador also extended New Year greetings to Chinese people through Xinhuanet.
