This year the People's Republic of China is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding as well as the 17th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the State of Israel. It is only natural that these celebrations include a series of cultural events to demonstrate the rich Chinese culture and the extensive cultural relations between China and Israel.

Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, an expeditious process of promoting and developing bi-lateral relations and cooperation in various areas and fields has taken place. It is especially noteworthy to mention the development of cooperation in the field of culture. The best Israeli artists as well as Israeli theater and dance companies and music ensembles and orchestras were invited to perform all over China. At the same time a large variety of art companies from China visited Israel and performed within international festivals and other significant stages, presenting the rich Chinese culture of past and present. While both countries are relatively young in terms of the modern era, they are based on history and culture that goes back over the centuries to antiquity; each has a glorious heritage in the annals of humanity. The friendship between both peoples - the Jewish People and the Chinese People - also goes back many years, ever since the Jewish community in China first began to prosper over a thousand years ago in Kaifeng, the capital at the time of the Sung Dynasty. This friendship has never been extinguished, and more than once withstood the tests of time.

I wish to express warm words of praise and admiration for China's spectacular hosting of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. It certainly was one of the greatest and most impressive Olympic Games ever held and deserved the applause that it received around the world.

The Para-Olympic Games, which were also hosted by China in 2008 and which were no less impressive, emphasized the important place of promoting disabled people within the Chinese society. This social value is shared also by the Israeli society. It is therefore for a good reason that the central opening show of the series of cultural events entitled "Experience China" is the show "My Dream", which is performed by disabled Chinese artists who prove an exceptional success to overcome artistic challenges that demand outstanding daring.

We welcome this wonderful opportunity to see and experience the best of art and culture of China here in Israel. This gesture illustrates once again the deep friendship between the people of China and the people of Israel.

I congratulate the people of China for the 60th anniversary celebrations.

Limor Livnat

Minister of Culture and Sport

State of Israel