"Experience China in Israel", a cultural program celebrating China-Israeli ties, has formally kicked off at the Tel Aviv Opera House. Israeli President Shimon Peres and Wang Chen, China's Minister of the State Council Information Office, attended the opening ceremony on Saturday evening.

Israeli President Shimon Peres (L) addresses the opening of "Experience China in Israel" cultural event in Tel Aviv Opera House, on Oct. 17, 2009, with the presence of Wang Chen (2nd R), Minister of the State Council Information Office of China. [Xinhua]

The event, which will run through the end of the month, 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. The exchange is aimed at allowing Israelis to experience Chinese culture first-hand, including China's achievements over the past 60 years.

Following the opening ceremony, the performance "My Dream" was staged by the China Disabled Peoples' Art Troupe, and was warmly received by the Israeli audience.