On 16th February, Ambassador Gao Yanping met in the Peres Peace House in Tel Aviv with Mr. Ido Sharir, Director General of Peres Center for Peace, and visited the conference room, library and auditorium of the center, accompanied by Mr. Dai Yuming, Counselor of the Embassy, and Mrs. Yarden Leal, director of Development & External Relations Department.

Ambassador Gao spoke highly of the outstanding contribution of President Shimon Peres and the Peres Center for Peace in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Israel and the people of Palestine. Ambassador Gao introduced the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago and said that China will unswervingly follow the road of peaceful development, will adhere to an independent foreign policy of peace, and will maintain peaceful coexistence with other countries in the world which have different political and social systems. Peace is inherent idea and belief of the Chinese people, China is willing to continue to play an active, important and constructive role in the realization of the peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian issues and hopes peace in the Middle East would be achieved at an early date. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Israel is willing to further strengthen contacts and cooperation with the Peace Center to contribute to the Middle East Peace Process and the harmonious co-existence between the people of Israel and the people of Palestine.

Director General Sharir briefed to the Ambassador Gao about the nature, purpose and organizational structure of the Peres Center for Peace, and said that the Peace Center is committed to President Shimon Peres' vision of peace in the Middle East and is trying to make every effort to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples from Israel and Palestine, especially the young generation. Director General Sharir thanked the Embassy on behalf of the Peace Centre for the long-term support and help and hoped to further strengthen contacts and cooperation with Ambassador Gao and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Israel.

Ambassador Gao and Director General Sharir also exchanged views on other issues of common concern.