Musical quartet performs in the China Cultural Center in Tel Aviv, Israel on Nov 26, 2017. The first China Cultural Center in West Asia opened in Israel's central city of Tel Aviv on Nov 26, aiming to spread the Chinese culture and facilitate exchange and cooperation between the two countries. [Photo/Xinhua]

The establishment of the Chinese cultural center in Tel Aviv marks a new phase in both cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Israel, which is also an important achievement grown from their friendly cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, the Chinese official said.

"The center is sure to further bring closer the two peoples," said Raphael Gamzou, deputy director general of Israeli's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Israeli Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein sent a congratulatory video to the launch of the center, in which he said the Chinese cultural center would bring closer the two peoples and promote their mutual understanding and friendship.

At the opening ceremony, musicians from China and Israel staged a string quartet, an opera duet and a harp solo to more than 100 guests, who also enjoyed the "China Story" photo exhibition, "Five Years in China" and "China Cultural Journey" documentaries, and watched the dancing robots, paper-cut, clay sculpture and other live performances.