​(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
 
President Reuven Rivlin today (Tuesday, 20 September 2016), met at his residence with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China (Speaker of the Chinese Parliament), Mr. Zhang Dejiang who was visiting Israel.

The President noted the importance of the visit as the most senior Chinese figure to visit Israel for 16 years, he said, “Your visit is a sign of the growing friendship between our two peoples,” and added, “I want to start my remarks by thanking your President for his kind wishes on my recent birthday.”
 
The President noted the long history between the two peoples, and said that “Everyone remembers the long connection between the Chinese and the Jewish peoples. The people of Israel and the Jewish people admire the traditions of the Chinese people, and we know very well the appreciation of the Chinese people toward our country, state, and people.” He stressed the gratitude of the Jewish people for the shelter that many Jews found in China during the Holocaust.
 
President Rivlin told his guest that he had visited China on three occasions and that, “What we have both achieved over the last 100 years goes to show that any goal can be achieved,” and added, “the ability and know-how in innovation and hi-tech of both our peoples is spoken about across the world.”
 
Mr. Zhang Dejiang thanked the President for his warm welcome, and reiterated the warm wishes of President Xi. He noted, “The Chinese and Jewish people have a long history of making an important contribution to the history of mankind. The exchanges between our two nations have a history of thousands of years,” and added, “our peoples stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of the aggression by fascists.”
 
Speaking of the growing bilateral relations between Israel and China, Mr. Zhang Dejiang said, “Our bilateral ties have enjoyed growth since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and over the past few years we have seen our friendship and cooperation deepen in all sectors.” He stressed, “We hope that our mutual trust can be strengthened to enable further growth in our bilateral cooperation and trade. I have every confidence in the friendship between our two nations and the cooperation between our two legislatures.” Mr. Zhang Dejiang then noted he would be happy to see President Rivlin visit China at a time of mutual convenience.
 
Mr. Zhang Dejiang added that he sent his best wishes for the swift recovery of Former President Shimon Peres, who he noted had made a significant contribution to China-Israel relations, and was a very respected figure in China.