Premier Li Keqiang extended his congratulations on Jan 29 on the occasion of the first meeting of the China-Israel government innovative cooperation joint committee, held in Beijing.

Premier Li said in a letter of congratulations that science is the basis of national prosperity and innovation is linked to the spirit of promoting national improvement.

He also said that both China and Israel are countries that respect science and innovation.

China is deepening reform comprehensively, opening up and strengthening all-round international cooperation on innovation. It is also actively participating in global innovation to promote stable and healthy economic development - and this will certainly provide cooperation opportunities on innovation between the two countries.

The Premier added that technology has no borders and innovation requires cooperation.

He said he hoped the joint committee would work to connect science and technology professionals of the two countries, fully utilize all kinds of innovation resources and strengthen cooperation on innovation - so as to continue contributing to the development of innovation, people’s well-being and mutual benefits.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also sent a letter of congratulations to the meeting, saying that the joint committee marks a new important milestone and relations and cooperation between the two countries will develop further.

The joint committee meeting was co-chaired by Vice-Premier Liu Yandong and Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman.