On February 21 and 22, Ms. Irit Ben-Abba Vitale, Israel's Ambassador to China and Mr. Alex Goldman Shayman, Consul General of Israel in Guangzhou, visited Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT). On the afternoon of February 22, the Ambassador, Consul General, together with Chancellor of GTIIT Gong Xingao, Vice Chancellor David Gershoni, and GTIIT management team, planted a pomegranate tree in GTIIT south campus. On the vibrant spring day, the hope from here will blossom and flourish many more projects of brotherhood, sharing and friendship between these two ancient and great nations.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Moris S. Eisen, Pro-Vice Chancellor Lin Danming, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Direct General Yigal Cohen attended the event.

"It is my first time visiting GTIIT. I'm very impressed with what I see around me," said the Ambassador, "I believe in the future, it will be a very important university of science and technology. It will be the place where the best scientists of China will prosper and bring this country into higher levels of development."

Chancellor Gong gave a speech at the event. He mentioned that this year marks the 31st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Israel and is also a momentous time to reflect on deep friendship that exists between the two nations. "It is exactly the profound friendship between China and Israel that lays a solid foundation for the prosperous development of our university. Therefore, I sincerely hope that our two countries could build the tree of friendship and through our joint efforts, the tree will be luxuriant and flourishing forever."

"It takes ten years to grow a tree and a hundred years to bring up a generation of talents. Education is a long process which takes patient and persistent efforts to bear fruits. To build GTIIT into a first-class international research university that educates the next generation of science and technology requires huge investment from all parties. I believe, this is the best investment for our future, that will bring the most valuable outcome for China and Israel, and all humanity at large," said Vice Chancellor David Gershoni.

During the visit, the Ambassador met with GTIIT management team and faculty representatives, to have an in-depth understanding of GTIIT's achievements in teaching, research and campus construction, as well as GTIIT's cooperation with Israeli organizations and institutes. "It is noted that since the establishment of GTIIT in December 2016, we have long been committed to fostering the relationship between our two countries through educational, cultural, and scientific exchanges. GTIIT actively promotes scientific research cooperation between China and Israel and builds collaborative innovation platforms, to promote the synergy of Israeli science and technology achievements with our local industries," introduced by Chancellor Gong Xingao.

The delegation visited the Lab of Microbiology and Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center in GTIIT, where advanced equipment is provided. They also held in-depth communication with students and representatives of GTIIT's Israeli faculty, to know about their work, study and life, as well as their expectations for the future. Through the meeting, the delegation obtained a deep understanding of how GTIIT thrives through highly qualified education recourses with its root in Chinese culture.

"We really want to create something that would be top level that the students will be really willing to come and study here. It is very important for us to see that these academic exchanges are fruitful, and they produce a high-level education channel for the Chinese students and cultivate excellent engineers for China." The Ambassador fully affirmed the important contribution made by GTIIT to the communication between the two countries since its establishment and believed that this visit is a good opportunity to further understand and boost cooperation with GTIIT. "GTIIT is a unique example of China-Israel cooperation. Now we are very proud that GTIIT has developed very well in all aspects. We will do our best to push GTIIT through and I hope it will be successful."

During the visit, the Consul General was impressed by fruitful results that GTIIT has achieved in just five years. "It's very important for young people dealing with technology and science. Science promotes the humanity ahead and gives the opportunity for young people to develop themselves, their communities and the place where they are living. I hope to help and to promote this beautiful project and make it succeed even more than it's successful right now."

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs