On 22nd February, Ambassador Gao Yanping met in the Ministry of Defense with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Mr. Zhang Su of the Embassy and Mr. Yoni Koren, Chief of Staff of the Defense Ministry, Mr. Itzik Turgeman, Military secretary of the Minister, were present.

Ambassador Gao said that fruitful results were made in cooperation between two countries in the political, economic, scientific and technological fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations 20 years ago. It is hoped that both sides would seize the opportunity of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations to further promote the development of Sino-Israeli relations, to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and to make contributions to the maintenance of international peace and stability in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister Barak said that the Israeli government attaches great importance to relations with China and is very optimistic about China's international status and international influence. The Israeli Government is willing to work with China to further strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Gao and Deputy Prime Minister Barak also exchanged views in depth on international and regional issues of common concern.