​An Israeli parliamentary delegation arrived in China on Sunday (10 April 2016) on a five-day official visit. The delegation is headed by Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein and includes Knesset Members Eli Alalof, Michal Rozin and Yaakov Peri. The delegation, accompanied by the staff of the Israeli Embassy to China headed by Ambassador Matan Vilnai, was warmly welcomed.

On Monday 11 April, Edelstein met with his Chinese counterpart, NRC Chairman Zhang Dejiang. The two discussed parliamentary cooperation between the countries. MK Edelstein also signed an MOU with the Chinese Academy of Governance in the fields of young leadership and policy training.

During the meeting, Edelstein expressed Israel`s desire to cooperate with China on issues related to the environment, renewable energy, agriculture and anything else that may contribute to peace and stability in both regions. 

Speaker Edelstein met today (Tuesday 12 April) with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The meeting included discussion on various topics, such as a free trade agreement and the deepening of the cooperation between Israel and China in the field of innovation.

Ambassador Vilnai: "The meeting today between Knesset Speaker Edelstein and Premier Li shows the deep friendship between China and Israel, and the mutual will of the two countries to continue and deepen the cooperation between the countries and their peoples."

China Premier Li Keqiang: "China and Israel are both countries of ancient cultures with a rich history. The relationship between the countries is firm and is based on friendship and true admiration. This year has seen cooperation projects between the countries in many areas, including the economy, academia & agriculture. This cooperation must be further deepened in many fields, especially in the field of innovation.