Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Israel with Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong to announce a binational agreement to foster innovation.

Netanyahu also announced an agreement for the two countries to cooperate during emergencies.

“There’s a natural affinity and friendship between the ancient people of China and the ancient people of Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement May 19.

The announcement was one of several events in Israel this week highlighting China-Israel collaboration.

Also on May 19, Tel Aviv University announced the launch of a research and innovation partnership with Tsinghua University in Beijing. The partnership, which will have a budget of $300 million, will operate on both campuses and focus on scientific innovation and education, according to a news release.

That same day, Hebrew University launched the Confucius Institute, a center for the study of Chinese history, culture and current affairs, on its campus. — jta