Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (1st L) applauds for the unveiling of China-Israel Cooperation Center for Modern Dairy Technology at a cattle farm in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 9, 2007.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Jan. 10 -- Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is in Beijing for a three-day visit to China. It coincides with the 15th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Israel. But instead of high-level meetings, Olmert made his first stop at a farm on the outskirts of the Chinese capital. 

    The ceremony attended by the Israeli Prime Minister celebrates the launching of the China-Israel Cooperation Center for Dairy Technology.

    Inaugurated in 2001, the farm uses a wide range of Israeli expertise and technology. This has already enabled it to boast the highest yield of milk per cow. The farm will soon introduce its technique to the rest of the rapidly growing Chinese dairy industry.

    Olmert said, "I hope all Chinese farms will follow the same system as here. We love to do business with you."

    And China's dairy market is not the only goal for Israel. Before his departure, Olmert told CCTV that Israel will set up a Consulate General in Guangzhou. This will be the third Israeli diplomatic post in China.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert tries to milk a cow at a cattle farm in Beijing, Jan. 9, 2007.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    Ehud Olmert, said, "China is the only country in the world other than the U.S. where we have more than just one embassy. Because we consider China the main target for trade development with Israel in the next few years."

    Meanwhile, at a regular press conference on Tuesday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman says Olmert will meet with China's top political leaders during his visit.

    Liu Jianchao, Foreign Ministry spokesman, said, "The two sides will exchange views on bilateral relationship. Also, they will share views on issues of common concern, including the Middle East and the Iran nuclear issues."

    As a son of a former Jewish resident in China, Olmert said he had a spiritual tie with the country. He hoped the union of ancient Chinese and Jewish cultures will be beneficial to both countries.

    Israel sees China as a major player in both global politics and the world economy.

    Ehud Olmert is the first Israeli Prime minister to visit China in almost a decade. And given his family links to China, Olmert believes he's the right man to cement ties between the two countries.

    Israeli PM visits Olympic venues

    Olmert also visited the Beijing Olympic venue construction sites located in the northern part of the city.

    He showed great interests to the national stadium known as the "bird's nest" and the National Aquatic Center called the "water cube", which are due to be completed this year.

    The Prime Minister said it was really amazing to have such great sports venues, and there was enough time for Beijing to finish the preparations for the Games.

    "You are going to have the most spectacular Olympic Games ever. I wish you on behalf of the people of Israel, that the spirit of friendship and good competition will mark this event," Olmert wrote on the visitors' book.

(Source: CCTV.com)