On March 8th, the Chinese Embassy Team headed by Ambassador Zhao Jun took part in a Friendship Tournament of Table Tennis between the Israeli Foreign Ministry Team and the Joint Team of Diplomatic Corps in Israel. Mr. Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli Foreign Minister, and Mr. Yuli Edelstein, Israeli Information and Diaspora Minister, led the Israeli Team played against Joint Team of Diplomatic Corps headed by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Cameroon Ambassador Henry Etoundi Essomba with Ambassador Zhao Jun and other Ambassadors from South Korea, Japan and Vietnam as well as diplomats from UK, Romania and Nigeria. The Tournament attracted not only the governmental officials but also the media journalists. The spectators cheered for their favorites and applauded for the brilliant performance.

Ambassador Zhao with FM Lieberman and other envoys

Ambassador Zhao with Minister Edelstein

Players from each side competed vigorously for the qualification of next round. Although still suffered from a cold, Ambassador Zhao spared no efforts to take part in the Tournament. With excellent skills of forehand and backhand and smart techniques of pushing, driving and smashing the ball, Ambassador Zhao's performances won warm applause and appreciation from ministers and the audience.

Ambassador Zhao in a match

Ambassador Zhao in a match

During the interval of the Tounament, Ambassador Zhao was interviewed by the mainstream Israeli media such as TV Channel One and Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. Ambassador Zhao pointed out that it is one of the important ways to carry out public diplomacy and deepen the mutual understanding through table tennis games. More such competitions should be held between the Chinese Embassy and Israeli Foreign Ministry, as well as other governmental departments, in order to promoting bilateral relations in a faster and sustainable way.

Ambassador Zhao interviewed by Yedioth Ahronoth

Ambassador Zhao interviewed by Channel One

The young diplomats from the Chinese Embassy also took an active part in the Tournament. Their excellent attitudes and skills left good impressions on other participants.

Ambassador Zhao with young Chinese diplomat players