On April 10th, Ambassador Gao Yanping met with and hosted a dinner in her residence for Mr. Matan Vilnai, Minister for Home Front Defense and Israeli Ambassador-Designate to China, and his wife. Senior Colonel Lin Li, Military attaché in the Chinese Embassy was present.

Ambassador Gao Yanping (second from right) and Minister Matan Vilnai (second from left)

Ambassador Gao congratulated Minister Matan Vilnai on his appointment as the seventh Israeli Ambassador to China, and briefed him on China's national conditions and development. Ambassador Gao stressed that China would unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, pursue a win-win strategy of opening up, and remain committed to upholding world peace and promoting common development and prosperity. She was willing to work with Ambassador-Designate Matan Vilnai to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and foster mutual trust and cooperation.

Minister Matan Vilnai said he was looking forward to assuming his post as Israeli ambassador to China and spoke highly of China's development achievements and its international status. He emphasized the fact that he as a cabinet minister was appointed as Israeli ambassador to China was clear testimony to the great importance Israeli Government attached to Israel-China relations. He was ready to join hands with Ambassador Gao to promote bilateral ties and pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

Ambassador Gao also exchanged views with Minister Matan Vilnai on other issues of mutual interest.