On December 19th, Ambassador Gao met in Tel Aviv with H.E. Mr. Silvan Shalom, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Regional Cooperation and Minister of the Development of the Negev and Galilee of Israel. Mr. Dai Yuming, Counselor of the Embassy, Mr. Moty Ruham, Chief of staff of the office of Vice Prime Minister, Mr. Avi Rabinovitch, Adviser for International Projects, were present.

Ambassador Gao spoke highly of the development of Sino-Israel relations in the past 20 years, and said since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, the friendship and mutual trust were enhanced constantly, fruitful achievements were made in substantial cooperation in various fields. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides should seize the opportunity to continuously deepen the friendship and mutual understanding between two peoples and to constantly strengthen the substantial cooperation in various fields.

Vice Prime Minister Shalom recalled his previous visits to China and said that China's rapid development is impressive. He emphasized that the Israeli Government attaches great importance to Sino-Israel relations and is willing to establish good working relationship and personal friendship with Ambassador Gao to make unremitting efforts to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields, especially the cooperation in less developed and arid areas.

Ambassador Gao and Vice Prime Minister Shalom also exchanged views on other issues of common interest.