-
Home
- Diplomatic Events
Diplomatic Events
- Details
- Written by President’s Spokesperson’s Office
President Rivlin to the Finnish Ambassador:
"As Finland takes up the presidency of the European Union in July, your leadership is even more important. Close EU-Israel relations are in the interests of us all. Israel seeks peace with its neighbors, but the rockets fired on us just last week from Gaza show we cannot compromise on the security of our civilians."
President Rivlin to the Greek Ambassador:
"We face a rising tide of anti-Semitism across Europe, including in Greece, which I discussed recently with your president. It was a great honor to participate with the Mayor of Thessaloniki at the Yom HaShoah ceremony."
Ambassadors from Ethiopia, Finland, Peru, Greece, and Nicaragua presented their credentials today, Thursday, May 16 / 11 Iyar, to President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin at an official ceremony at Beit HaNasi as they take up their posts in Israel. As each ambassador arrived, their national anthem was played by the Israel Police Band, their national flag was raised and they reviewed an honor guard of IDF soldiers. After presenting their letters of credence to the president and an audience with him, they signed the visitors’ book and Hatikva was played.
The president welcomed Ambassador Reta Alemu Nega of Ethiopia, accompanied by his mother, who was the first to present his credentials today. The president sent his warm wishes to the President of Ethiopia who he met on his state visit to the country a year ago. “The Ethiopian-Jewish community in Israel is a living bridge between our countries and cultures. From personal experience, I can say that the avocados you grow can become an important export.” The president said that in the fields of business, agriculture, and security, the two countries already worked closely together and that he hoped to work closely with the ambassador.
The Ethiopian ambassador thanked the president for his warm welcome, saying “I bring the greetings of the President of Ethiopia, and of the Prime Minister, who hopes to visit here soon. Your visit left very warm memories. Visits of this kind are milestones in our relations, and we are ready to strengthen the excellent bilateral ties into a strategic partnership.”
Next, Ambassador Kirsikka Lehto-Asikainen of Finland presented her credentials to the president. “We are both small countries who play a big role in the fields of technology and innovation,” he said. “We are developing closer relations in the field of security and I hope that we will be able to deepen them even further.”
“As Finland takes up the presidency of the European Union in July, your leadership is even more important. Close EU-Israel relations are in the interests of us all. Israel seeks peace with its neighbors, but the rockets fired on us just last week from Gaza show we cannot compromise on the security of our civilians.” Speaking about resolutions passed by UNESCO regarding the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount, he said “Let’s leave history to the historians, not to politicians who ignore the Jewish people’s historic connection to Jerusalem. Finland showed great moral courage in protecting its Jewish community and refugees during World War II, despite the risks. Unfortunately, we see a resurgence of anti-Semitism across Europe today. It is a threat not only for Jewish people but for humanity as a whole, our values and morality.” he said in conclusion.
The Ambassador of Finland presented her letters of credence and said, “thank you for your important words of welcome. It is a great honor that Israel is my first posting as ambassador. Our countries have common interests in the fields of innovation, high-tech, and entrepreneurship. We share your concern about rising anti-Semitism in Europe. Finland has a long-term commitment to the stability of the region and will continue to play a role in UN peace-keeping missions. I am delighted to be here this week when Israel is a real part of Europe, and wish everyone a successful and enjoyable Eurovision Song Contest.”
Following this, the incoming Peruvian Ambassador, Carlos Daniel Chavez-Taffur Schmidt, presented his credentials. The president sent his wishes to those celebrating Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s independence day, in Lima this evening, and said “We would be delighted to develop the relations between our countries in the fields of water, agriculture, and innovation. We have much to learn from each other. When I visited your country, I found such natural beauty and rich culture, including at Machu Picchu.” The president noted the important Jewish community in Peru, saying “we appreciate the shelter you gave to European refugees during World War II.”
The ambassador thanked the president for his remarks, saying “Mr. President, allow me to convey the best wishes of the President of Peru to the people of Israel. Peru shares the same values as Israel – democracy, freedom of the press, separation of powers and human rights. I believe that we can extend our relations for the benefit of both peoples. Peru is proud of our role as one of the first supporters of Israeli in 1947 and we celebrate the friendship every year on November 29th, the date of the UN’s vote on partition.”
Ambassador Elias Eliadis of Greece then presented his credentials speaking Hebrew. “I had the pleasure of visiting Greece last year when I visited to celebrate 70 years of relations between our countries. I also viewed the very impressive naval maneuvers of the Greek navy,” said the president.
The president added, “the relations between us are not just between countries. They are relations between two great cultures with thousands of years of shared history. Athens and Jerusalem are pillars of modern culture. Our relations have grown a great deal in the last decade and we work together on energy, tourism, and innovation. We face a rising tide of anti-Semitism across Europe, including in Greece. Just recently the Holocaust memorial in Thessaloniki was defaced, and I discussed it with your president. It was a great honor to participate with the Mayor of Thessaloniki at the Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Heroes’ and Martyrs’ Remembrance Day) recently.”
The president added, “Israel is committed to freedom of religion and worship for everyone and we have excellent relations with the Greek Orthodox Church. Just recently, I visited the Land of the Monasteries with leaders of the churches. This is a project to restore and preserve an important site for Christianity, which we hope will draw many thousands of pilgrims to the Holy Land.”
The Greek Ambassador thanked the president for his warm welcome and said, “The Hebrew and Greek traditions are the basis for the world we know today. We want to promote cultural ties as the basis for wide-ranging cooperation between our countries. We are trying hard to fight anti-Semitism, which is not a problem of the Jews but of European society as a whole. I wish prosperity and success to the people of Israel.
Finally, the president welcomed Ambassador Oscar Obidio Cubas Castro of Nicaragua, saying “I am sure that you, like we, see the renewal of diplomatic relations after a break of nine years as a new start. The only difference between our flags is that ours is blue and white and yours is sky-blue and white. Yesterday, our ambassador in Nicaragua presented his credentials and you are here with your letter of credence today. I am delighted to welcome you.”
The ambassador thanked the president, saying “Thank you, Mr. President. I feel like your words come straight from the heart. Your country may be small geographically, but it is one of the most important in the world. We remember the Holocaust, one of the worst times you experienced as a people, but we continue onwards.”
Photo credits: Amos Ben Gershom (Ethiopia, Finland), Mark Neiman (Peru, Greece, Nicaragua) (GPO)
- Details
- Written by President’s Spokesperson’s Office
President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin hosted a reception today, Thursday 9 May / 4 Iyyar, for the diplomatic and consular corps in honor of Israel’s 71st Independence Day. Acting Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz also participated in the event.
“Distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, dear friends. It is a pleasure to welcome you to this celebration of our seventy-first Independence Day, in our three-thousand-year-old capital of Jerusalem,” said the president at the beginning of his remarks, noting that in his meetings with world leaders they comment admiringly on Israel’s achievements, and said that Israel is indeed a miracle, particularly in the vibrancy of its democracy.
“From the day Israel was born until today, we have faced enemies. Yet despite the severe security threats, we have built a thriving democracy with an independent judiciary, a free press, and religious freedom for all. This is a modern miracle,” he said.
“Israel is a small country, but we have big dreams. In fact, we are already becoming a world superpower. Not a superpower of military might -though we will always do what is necessary to defend ourselves - but a superpower of hope. Hope for a better future for all humanity.”
“Israeli technologies are already improving the lives of people around the world in the fields of clean water, sustainable farming, green energy, and medical aid. Now imagine how these technologies could improve lives throughout the Middle East,” he continued.
“Peaceful relations between Israel and its neighbors, especially our Palestinian neighbors, could bring such tremendous development and prosperity to the region. We continue to dream of peace with all our neighbors because I deeply believe that we are not doomed to live together, we are destined to live together. Together we can build a better future for all the peoples of the region,” he concluded.
Acting Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz: “I congratulate the US administration for the sanctions, which they renewed against Iran, in order to bring an end to Iran's evil activity. I call upon the international community to support the American policy and to join the enforcing of the sanctions.”
During the day, Beit HaNasi received messages of congratulations for world leaders on Yom Haatzmaut. Among those sending messages was President of the United States of America Donald J Trump, who noted: "shared values are the cornerstone of relations between our two great nations”. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin congratulated Israel on its 71stanniversary and noted that today is also Victory Day, marking the end of the war against Nazi Germany and that the sacrifices for the sake victory were enormous. Messages were received from Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeir and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who sent her best wishes for the good fortune and happiness of the people of Israel. King Felipe VI of Spain, President of Italy Sergio Mattarella and many others also sent wishes.
Photo credit: Haim Zach (GPO)
- Details
- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
At the David Citadel Hotel, it was a special surprise in this Jerusalem winter to see a replica of part of the beautiful gardens at the Bahá’í Center in Akko. The colorful “welcome mat” set the tone of the annual reception of the community to celebrate the Bahá’í New Year, Naw-Ruz. This New Year celebration is especially important, as October 2019 will mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the forerunner and herald of the Bahá’í Faith. 2019 is also the 176th year of the religion’s founding.
Bahá’í’s from around the world were among the extraordinary guests. (Israel – and Haifa in particular – is the center of the world Bahá’í movement. All faithful must come to Israel at least once in their lifetime to live and volunteer to serve). Among the luminaries were Carmel Irandoust (Bahá’í Deputy Secretary-General), David Freeman (representative, Bahá’í International Community), Amir Halevi (Director-General, Israel Tourism Ministry), Ambassador Meron Reuben, (Protocol chief of state, Israel Foreign Ministry), Noga Sher-Greco (Director of Religious Tourism, Israel Tourism Ministry), Shmuel Elgrabi (Israel Government Bahá’í Advisor/Coordinator), patriarchs and leaders of other religious orders, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, politicians, VIPs and media personalities.
It was impossible not to enjoy the exquisite buffet dinner offered to the guest as they mingled, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends. A five-piece orchestra provided live musical accompaniment, adding to the ambiance of the hotel’s grand ballroom. The formal part of the evening began with a short presentation by Ms. Irandoust, who read the greeting from Israel’s State President to the Bahá’í community on the occasion of the Naw-Ruz. President Rivlin’s charming message ended with wishes of “peace and joy” for all Bahá’í members, worldwide.
Dr. Joshua Lincoln, Secretary General of the World Bahá’í community, then welcomed and addressed the guests. He offered thanks to everyone for attending to help celebrate the New Year, then spoke of the significance of the centennial year; the history of the Bahá’í religion; the joyous transition from winter to spring which coincides with the New Year celebrations; and of Bahá’í successes and expansions around the world, including openings of new temples and the spread of harmony and peace.
Dr. Lincoln’s address did not ignore the suffering and persecution of Bahá’í faithful in many parts of the world, still to this day, especially in Iran. (Persia/Iran being the birthplace of the Prophet, and the Persian language is an important factor in the religion).
Responding on behalf of the State of Israel, Amir Halevi of the Ministry of Tourism opened his remarks by wishing the community “Shana Tova” – a happy new year. “The Bahá’ís are a community - a young community by Jewish standards - with a deep history and rich social relations with other communities here in Israel. … I am pleased to say that since the creation of the State of Israel, we have positive, friendly and mutually respectful relations.” He added: “The Bahá’ís have contributed not just to the physical beauty of our country, but also to its social fabric.” He mentioned that thanks to the injunction to visit Israel, Bahá’í tourists from some unusual countries visit, including from Tonga, Tuvalu, St. Kits and Nevis, Kiribas, Lesotho, the Seychelles and many more.
Some information that might add interest: Bahá’í is a relatively new, independent monotheistic religion. There are about six million faithful, all around the globe, with religious texts translated into hundreds of languages. Bahá’í beliefs include, among many others, the unity of God; faith in fundamental harmony between religion and science; volunteering; equality between men and women; monogamy; non-violence, compulsory education; using a common world language (like Esperanto) and world peace.
The Director and staff of www.diplomacy.co.il send warmest greetings to the world Bahá’í community on this auspicious occasion.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
Tanzania’s Union Day and first anniversary of the inauguration of Tanzania's first Embassy in Israel
- Details
- Written by Silvia G Golan
For the first time in Israel, Tanzania will hold a special event marking the 55th anniversary, on April 30 at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv
In Tanzania, every 26 April is Union Day to commemorate the creation of Tanzania through the union of Tanganyika and the archipelago nation of Zanzibar on 26 April 1964
Tanzania will also mark the first anniversary of the inauguration of Tanzania's first Embassy in Israel
The event will be attended by diplomats, businessmen, and the Media. Tanzania's Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Job Masima, noted that the two countries share many common values and that he intends to further strengthen cooperation with Israel in tourism, technology, agriculture and more. According to Ambassador Masima: "Though Tanzania and Israel are separated by great distances in geographical terms, our strong bonds of affection, mutual confidence, common interests, and similar outlooks remains inextricably linked".
Ambassador Masima is the first Tanzanian ambassador to Israel. He received the diplomatic credential from President Reuven Rivlin at a moving ceremony last June. Ambassador Masima took his place as Tanzania's first ambassador to Israel a year ago. Until the arrival of Ambassador Masima, the Tanzanian delegation was headed by the Honorary Consul of Tanzania in Israel, Kasbian Nuriel Chirich, who worked intensively to increase cooperation between the two countries in all fields.
The secret of Tanzania’s magic lies in the fact that it is a paradise for nature lovers. The country features a breathtaking array of landscapes, including volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, lakes, savannahs, marshlands, rain forests, and more. Some of the world’s largest lakes are located within Tanzania’s 945,087 square kilometers. It is not a coincidence that Tanzania has become one of the most popular destinations for Israelis traveling to Africa. It has a unique culture, natural riches, beautiful and exciting nature reserves, and the islands of Zanzibar. More than 4 million wild animals representing over 430 different species make Tanzania their home so that Tanzania has the highest concentration of animals per square kilometer on earth. Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, soaring to a height of 5,895 meters, is located in northern Tanzania.
Israelis who want to visit must be issued a visa. There is a new option of getting Visa by E Visa through the internet. The E - Passport of Tanzania has been voted the best passport in the world. There are daily flights from Israel to both mainland Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar, and chartered flights during holidays.
Pictures Courtesy: Ministry for Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania and the Embassy in Israel.
- Details
- Written by Silvia
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Vietnam, Do Minh Hung.
President Rivlin today accepted diplomatic credentials from new ambassadors to Israel from Vietnam, Nepal, Kenya, and Montenegro
New ambassadors from Vietnam, Nepal, Kenya, and Montenegro presented their credentials today, Thursday 14 February / 9 Adar I, to President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin at the beginning of their term as ambassadors of their countries to the State of Israel, in an official ceremony at Beit HaNasi. As each ambassador arrived, the Israel Police band played the national anthem of their country and the ambassador then reviewed an IDF honor guard. After presenting their diplomatic credentials to the president, the ambassadors signed the guest book and Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem, was played at the end of the ceremony.
The first to present his credentials to the president was the incoming Ambassador of Vietnam, Do Minh Hung. President Rivlin asked the ambassador to send his best wishes to the President of Vietnam, who he met on his state visit to the country two years ago and invited his counterpart to visit Israel. “Relations between our country have grown stronger in the fields of education, agriculture, and defense since my visit to Vietnam,” said the president. “Many Israelis enjoy visiting Vietnam and I am sure that opening up direct flights and signing the free trade agreement can create further opportunities for deepening our relations.”
The Ambassador of Vietnam thanked the president for his warm welcome and said “thank you for your warm words. I will send your best wishes to the President of Vietnam. It is a great honor for me to serve as my country’s ambassador to the State of Israel and I will do all I can to deepen and widen the relations between our two countries.”
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Nepal Anjan Shakya
Following this, Ambassador Anjan Shakya of Nepal presented her credentials to the president. President Rivlin thanked her and noted that next year we will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “We appreciate your contributions to regional security through UNIFIL and UNDOF. It gives you a perspective of the threats we face.” He added, “we see Nepal as a true friend who stands by us, just as we were at your side when you dealt with the terrible earthquake in 2015.”
The Ambassador of Nepal presented her credentials to the president and noted the long friendship between the two countries. “On behalf of the president and the prime minister, I would like to invite you on a state visit to Nepal and send their warmest best wishes. Despite only arriving here a week ago, I can already see that there are many possibilities to widen the cooperation between us in a number of fields, including agriculture, education, health and IT.” The ambassador ended her remarks by saying ‘Shalom v’Toda Raba’ (goodbye and thank you) in Hebrew.
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Kenya, Samuel Ng'ang'a Thuita
Kenya’s new ambassador to Israel, Samuel Ng'ang'a Thuita, was the next to present his credentials to the president, who began by sending his condolences to the people of Kenya on the recent terrorist attack in Nairobi. He then spoke about the growing trade relations between the two countries, saying “we recently opened a trade delegation at the Israeli Embassy in Kenya and we hope to see direct flights between the countries soon. These are good signs and I believe we can do even more to improve relations.”
The ambassador thanked the president, saying “since 1963 when Golda Meir visited Kenya, we have worked together on a range of issues. Once, the focus was agriculture, and now we cooperate on security and counter-terrorism. Israel has a true friend in Kenya.”
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Montenegro, Ivan Lekovic
The last ambassador to present his credentials was Ivan Lekovic of Montenegro. “Montenegro is a country with a growing economy, and we are proud to support you as friends and allies,” said the president, and wished the country well on joining NATO and its future membership of the European Union. The president thanked the ambassador for his country’s decision to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day and for supporting its Jewish community.
The Ambassador of Montenegro to Israel thanked President Rivlin for his cordial welcome and said, “we are preparing for the exciting and important visit of the President of Montenegro to Israel, who sends his warmest regards. Montenegro, like Israel, has many different cultures and religions. Like you, we believe that the best way to live together is open and respectful dialog. The relations between our two countries are excellent and we cooperate in tourism and cultural and academic exchanges, as well as in the security sphere, and we would be happy to extend this cooperation.”
Photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
