China and Israel established formal diplomatic relations almost 18 years ago. However the ties of friendship and exchange between our ancient civilizations go back hundreds of years. The Jewish people will always remember with deep gratitude the helping hand that was extended to us by the Chinese people in very difficult times through our history.

Our countries recognized each other very soon after our respective establishment as modern states but it took time until we established formal diplomatic relations. Since their establishment, our relations have flourished at a rate that even the greatest optimists among us would never have predicted. We should make an effort to further develop these important ties. Despite the differences in size and in population, there are many similarities between us. The rich ties that have developed are based on a deep mutual respect shared by two great nations who, relying on their long history, have created great miracles in their development as modern societies. Through our cooperation, we are both drawing the benefits of each other’s experience and knowledge.

The founder of Israel and our first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, recognized almost 60 years ago that China will become a major world player. Today, the world is amazed as it watches this vision coming true. China has achieved unprecedented levels of development and growth and proved in many areas that nothing is impossible. We are proud that Israel has been chosen as the venue for “Experience China” this year, the year modern China celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of its establishment. Culture has always been a bridge between peoples and I am sure that this event will further promote the friendship, understanding and harmony between our two great nations.
I wish this important event great success.

Amos Nadai
Ambassador Israel to China

译文：

　　中国和以色列正式建立外交关系将要18年了。然而，我们两个文明古国的友好交往可以追溯到几百年前。以色列人民将会以深为感激之心永远记着，在我们非常困难的历史时期中国人民向我们伸出的援助之手。

　　我们两国在分别建立现代国家制度之后很快就相互承认，但距离我们正式建立外交关系还经历了一段时间。从建立外交关系开始，我们的关系取得了很大的发展，速度之快就连我们之间最乐观的人也难以预料。我们应该为更进一步发展这种重要的关系而作出努力。尽管国家大小和人口数量不同，然而我们之间还是有很多相似之处。两个民族都依托他们悠久的历史，在现代社会发展过程中创造了伟大的奇迹，良好关系的发展是基于两个伟大民族之间更深层次的相互尊重。通过我们的合作，我们彼此都会从对方的经验和知识中获益。

　　大卫本古里安，以色列的缔造者和首任总理，在60年前就认识到中国将会成为世界上的主要国家。今天，世界都惊奇地看到这个预言成为现实。中国的发展和繁荣已经达到了前所未有水平，并在很多领域证明了一切皆有可能。

　　今年是新中国成立60周年，我们为以色列在今年被选为“感知中国”的举办地而感到荣幸。文化一直是人们之间交流的桥梁，我相信，这次活动将会更进一步地促进两个伟大民族之间的友谊、理解与和谐。

　　我预祝这次活动取得圆满成功。

安泰毅   
以色列驻华大使