China Cultural Festival opened in Jerusalem Friday to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel.

The opening performances of the feast was presented by the renowned Wuhan Acrobatic Troupe of China with the acrobatic show Heroes, which showcases ancient Chinese heroic stars from different eras, such as the legendary Mulan, the warriors and horses of Emperor Qin, and Shaolin kung fu masters.

Besides the acrobatic show, a number of different Chinese cultural events are also expected to be held in Israel, including Chinese folk dance, folk music and songs, arts and crafts, photo exhibitions, plays and movies.

The festival, which is jointly held by Chinese and Israeli governments, will last for about six months until November, during which, more than 200 performers from all over China will be coming to the Jewish nation.

Both Chinese and Israeli governments have attached great importance on the event.

In his congratulatory letter to the festival, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said "both the Chinese people and the Jewish people have created time-honored civilizations and splendid cultures. During the past 15 years of diplomatic relations, China and Israel have witnessed remarkable progress in our bilateral relationship of all fields."

He added "as the Chinese artists bring rich and diversified Chinese culture and arts to Israel for the China Cultural Festival, I am convinced that cultural exchange and interaction between our two countries will further enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples."

Expressing his greetings on the festival, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in his letter that Israel attributes great importance to Israel-China relations.

He said that "I am pleased that the people of Israel will have the opportunity to participate in these events in the framework of the Israeli Chinese Culture Festival, and be exposed to such an ancient and much admired culture."

In the past 15 years, bilateral relations between China and Israel have witnessed a rapid development and scored remarkable achievements.

On the political level, China and Israel have all along attached much importance to each other and have worked to build mutual trust in bilateral, regional and international affairs.

The bilateral trade volume between the two nations has increased from 50 million U.S. dollars to 3.88 billion dollars over the past 15 years, with an average annual growth rate of 40 percent.

Currently, there are more than 800 Israeli commercial companies doing business in China, among which, more than 200 have set up branch companies.

As for culture, China and Israel have exchanges in performing art, music, exhibition and film festivals.

Source: Xinhua