"Experience China in Israel" cultural event formally kicked off Saturday evening in Tel Aviv Opera House, in the presence of Israeli President Shimon Peres and a senior Chinese official.

The event, jointly held by the State Council Information Office of China and Israeli Foreign Ministry, is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 17th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Composed of a series of activities including performances, photo exhibitions, a film week and a symposium on China, Israel and the world economy, the event, which began earlier this week and will conclude at the end of this month, is expected to allow the Israelis to see Chinese culture and China's development and achievements over the past 60 years and promote Sino-Israeli friendship.

Following the opening ceremony, the performance "My Dream" was staged by China Disabled Peoples' Art Troupe, which was well received by Israelis.

At the opening ceremony, Peres said in his speech that "your dream is our dream," and that he had watched the performance on TV, which has unbelievable beauty.

The president continued that China is a large country, and Israel is a small one, but in terms of dream, "we are of the same size."

Shortly after Peres' speech, Wang Chen, Minister of the State Council Information Office of China, told the audience that since China and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1992, which turned over a new leaf in the bilateral ties, Sino-Israeli relations have been developing fast and sound, including in the field of culture.

"It is reported that more and more Israelis begin to admire the Chinese culture, start to learn Chinese, and want to learn more about the Chinese development," said the senior Chinese official.

"Therefore, this great event 'Experience China in Israel' not only reflects the two governments' concerted efforts in promoting China-Israel relations, but also reflects the two peoples' earnest aspiration to increase understanding and deepen friendship," he noted.

The event will open a new window for Israelis to get a closer look at China and perceive China from different angles and perspectives, he said.

Wang expressed his hope that the event will present an old and new, a traditional and open China more vividly to Israelis.

"It is also our hope that the Israeli people will feel the profound friendship among the Chinese people for the Israeli people, and the Chinese people's sincere wishes to build a harmonious world with lasting peace and common prosperity together with peoples all over the world." he said.

Since 1999, China has held the event of "Experience China" in many countries including Germany, the US, Russia and South Korea to promote cultural exchanges. These events have been well received by overseas governments, news media and the general public.