PM Netanyahu's Remarks at an Event Marking 20 years of diplomatic relations
between Israel and China

(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Following are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks this evening
(Tuesday), 24.1.12, at an event marking 20 years of diplomatic relations
between Israel and
China:

"Israel and China are a successful combination because we are peoples rooted
in glorious traditions that also embrace the future. The rise of modern
China is one of the most important events of our time, as is the rise of
modern Israel. We will never forget the goodwill of the Chinese people who
provided shelter for persecuted Jews in the darkest
hours.
Millennia-old societies provide a strong basis for future cooperation in
many fields. I believe that Israel and China can act together to ensure
peace in the Middle East.

I was pleased to hear that China has begun to reduce oil purchases from
Iran. I appreciate China's need to ensure a regular supply of sources of
energy in order to continue its impressive growth. I believe that it is
possible to replace Iranian oil and I hope that the Chinese leadership will
join the European countries and quickly act to completely halt purchases of
Iranian oil. Bilateral ties are important to us; therefore, we are
committed to expanding them quickly in a variety of fields. To this end, I
have issued a sweeping directive to approve any invitation to visit China.
We are also launching a project that will bring to Israel 250 Chinese
students a year. A large number of Israelis have already begun to study
Chinese. A Happy Year of the
Dragon!"