Vilnai pushes cultural exchange

By Yin Yeping Source:Global Times Published: 2015-9-20 18:38:01

Israeli Ambassador to China Matan Vilnai Photo: Courtesy of the Israeli Embassy

In February 2012, Matan Vilnai was appointed Israeli Ambassador to China. That year was also Vilnai's first time coming to China. Before then, he had been in several minister-level positions, including those for science, culture, sports and defense.

In the last three years, his steps have covered all of China's provinces and his bookshelves contain numerous publications about the country. The more he learns, the more he loves China, and it has become so evident that some of his friends even joke that he is becoming Chinese.

In a recent interview, the ambassador told the Global Times (GT) how important it is for China and Israel to learn more from each other.

GT: How does the embassy draw Chinese investors to Israel?

Vilnai:
What we do is very simple. We invite them for a visit to Israel to see what it looks like, to see the opportunities and the environment, the innovation and technology, and the vibrancy and spirit of Israeli people. When you are in Israel, you will understand it.

The Chinese investment in Israel is growing fast. I have been here three years, and the growth trend is obvious. One of our embassy's goals is to bring as much Chinese investment as we can to Israel.

Other goals include building a bridge between the two countries in business and cultural terms. We would also like to have more Chinese students study in Israel and Israeli students study in China. We also promote tourism. These are all pillars of the bridge.

GT: How can the two countries strengthen their cooperation in terms of innovation and technology?

Vilnai:
I have created several programs between China and Israel. One of them was established after the visit of our prime minister in May 2013. He met Premier Li Keqiang and made plans for a program regarding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, water management, and technology. Also, we have a China-Israel Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation that was established jointly after Deputy Premier Liu Yandong visited Israel last May.

GT: Can you share with us the latest visa policy for Chinese traveling to Israel?

Vilnai:
Three years ago, it took 10 days to get an Israeli visa. Now, it takes a maximum of five working days. Also, we have changed the visa for business people so that they can get one for one year with multiple entries.

We are working now on a 10-year visa. My vision was to get a visa exemption for both sides, but later it was decided that a 10-year visa would be more preferable. That is okay for us because there is not much difference between a 10-year visa and a visa exemption. The way you apply for the 10-year visa would be similar to the way you apply for the US visa, but in order to promote tourism, we need to simplify visa application procedures as much as we can. The number of Chinese tourists traveling to Israel was about 32,000 last year. This year, we hope there will be 45,000 Chinese tourists coming to Israel.

GT: What books about China are you reading now?

Vilnai:
In terms of Chinese books, I read the Analects of Confucius and The Art of War. These two books are wonderful. Confucius is like our own ancient scholars in that when you read these books, you feel its contents are similar to things in the Jewish traditions. Phrases such as, "Do not do to your friend what you do not like them to do to you," can also be found in our traditions. Also, in The Art of War by Sun Tzu, it says, "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting," which is true wisdom to me.

GT: What can Chinese and Israeli people learn from each other?

Vilnai:
We can learn about the Chinese law and order and hard working attitude. We have a lot to learn from you. From us you can learn about the vibrant society that is moving all the time and people's pursuance for perfection without fear of failure and the critical way of thinking. It is the spirit of innovation.

We must get to know each other much more because we are far away from each other and there are inexplicable misunderstandings. For us, China is a legend and Israel is a legend to China. We must get to know each other through student exchanges, tourism and culture, and it is only a matter of time before we know each other better.



Posted in: Press Release, Enterprise

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