JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Wednesday with Chinese Culture Minister Cai Wu on cultural exchanges and cooperation.

During talks with Cai, Netanyahu said cultural exchanges are the basis of bilateral cooperation in other areas.

Noting the friendship between the two peoples, the Israeli prime minister said that Israeli people admire China's great economic developments in recent years.

He said that Israel is looking forward to enhancing cooperation with China in various fields including politics, economics and agriculture.

Cai, for his part, said that both China and Israel have made unique and important contributions to the world and human civilization.

China and Israel have seen steady development in their relations and frequent high-level exchanges since the establishment of diplomatic ties some 20 years ago, said Cai.

The Chinese minister said that China attaches great importance to its friendly relations with Israel, which are the common aspirations of the two peoples and in their fundamental interests as well as conducive to regional stability and world peace.

Cai said that China is willing to join hands with Israel to consolidate their traditional friendship, deepen cooperation in various fields and further the development of the relations between the two countries.