Diplomatic Events

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Written by Jonathan Danilowitz

Published: 06 September 2015

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam Celebrates.

And not just any celebration; but the 70th anniversary of the National Day of the country. The invited guests gathered to celebrate in the elegant ballroom of Tel Aviv’s Dan Hotel. On giant screens, a video showing the extent of Vietnam’s advances (and the tribulations which were overcome) over the years. The country has much of which to be proud.

While cocktails and snacks were served, members of the Diplomatic Corps mingled with the top echelons of Israeli and Vietnamese military, scientific, educational, agricultural and VIP society. Among those present were many Ambassadors (to mention just three: Sri Lanka, South Africa, Croatia); Mark Sofer, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Igor Zakashansky, Head of the Wing Chun Kung Fu Federation of Israel; Prof. Uriel Reichmann of the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center, and the Honorary Consul of Vietnam Mr. Igal Ahouvi with his partner, TV personality and model Galit Guttmann, and many others.

His Excellency Ambassador Ta Duy Chinh welcomed his guests in a moving address. He spoke of the establishment of the country (the declaration of independence 70 years ago by then President Ho Chi Minh), the difficulties and successes of the country and its warm people. “Over the past 70 years, with a solid unity and unwavering determination, Vietnamese people have heroically overcome all kinds of challenges and difficulties, tirelessly endeavored toward that end and have recorded outstanding achievements”. His Excellency noted that the country is no longer at war, and has become an attractive tourist destination. “From a country with a name hardly found in the world maps a century ago, Vietnam today enjoys the diplomatic relations with 185 countries including all five permanent member of UN Security Council”. No small achievement. The Ambassador mentioned the trade, economic and business ties with more than 200 countries and territories. “With the outstanding achievements and contribution over the past 70 years, Vietnam today becomes an important player for peace, security, stability and development and a pro-active, responsible and reliable partner in the international community”.

His Excellency ended his address: “On this auspicious occasion, on behalf of the state and people of Vietnam, I would like to express our deep gratitude to all the friends of Vietnamese people all over the world for their precious friendship, supports and cooperation given to our people over the past 70 years. Vietnam and Israel share many common values and similarities and since the establishment of the diplomatic relations 22 years ago, our friendship and cooperation have been steadily strengthened and deepened. Our political ties and mutual understanding are growing. With these remarkable achievements, we have every reason to believe that Vietnam and the State of Israel can further work together to bring our bilateral relationships to a higher stage for the interests of our two countries and for peace, security and prosperity in the region and in the world. The steadily growing relations between our two countries are only made possible thanks to the endeavors by both peoples and governments, and by our business and think-tank communities”. He then proposed a toast to the National Day of Vietnam; to an ever-growing friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the State of Israel; and to [y]our good health and happiness.

Minister Avi Gabai, Israel’s Minister of Environmental Protection, then responded on behalf of the State of Israel. He thanked Ambassador Ta Duy Chinh for his kind words and then added: “This July, Israel and Vietnam marked 22 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. We have introduced real content into our relationship over a range issues such as economic, agriculture, science, technology and more”. Minister Gabai mentioned the model dairy farm that the Israeli “MASHAV” institute has established in Ho Chi Minh City in cooperation with the Provincial Government, all based on Israeli knowledge and equipment. The farm functions as a demonstration center for farmers in the region. He also mentioned that: “Last year, over 850 students from Vietnam attended an 11-month long agricultural training program in Israel and next year we are expecting 700 students from Vietnam to attend an agricultural ‘learning through experience’ program”.

Trade and cooperation between the two countries has expanded as bilateral relations have expanded. The Minister ended his address by reemphasizing Israel’s deep commitment towards Vietnam, and expressed the hope that cooperation between the countries would expand further. “As Minister of Environmental Protection, let me add that we would be pleased to see cooperation expand also to environmental issues. On behalf of the State of Israel, its people and its Government, I ask you, Mr. Ambassador, to please convey our warmest congratulations to the Vietnamese people”.

The speeches were followed by a live rendition of the national anthems of both countries, after which a rich buffet dinner, in grand style and with many typically Vietnamese dishes, was offered to the guests.

Vietnam-Israel diplomatic relations - 22 years and counting …

Vietnam’s independence – 70 years, and blessings for many many more.

Photos: Silvia G. Golan

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Written by MFA

Published: 06 August 2015

 President Rivlin receives diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors from Cyprus, UK, Germany, Rwanda, and Seychelles

President Reuven Rivlin this morning (Thursday) at a ceremony held at the President's Residence, received the diplomatic credentials of five new ambassadors to Israel, representing Cyprus, the UK, Germany, Rwanda, and Seychelles.

Photo :  President Rivlin with Ms. Thessalia Salina Shambos

President Rivlin said to Ambassador of Cyprus, H.E. Ms. Thessalia Salina Shambos, "I am delighted to receive you here in Jerusalem, our two countries are more than friends, we are neighbors. As I said to your President when he visited Israel recently, the Jewish people will never forget the help of the people of Cyprus in the aftermath of the Second World War, and the kindness shown to the Jewish refugees. I sincerely hope that during your stay here, we will see the strengthening even further of our excellent relations."

Ambassador Shambos thanked the President for his warm welcome, and noted that she was greatly moved by the welcome and the ceremony. She said, "It is a great honor for me to be here, our good relations truly stem from the heart. The recent visits by senior figures from Cyprus to Israel, and from Israel to Cyprus, is testament to the strength of this relationship. We believe that our history connects us, as two countries who in the past strove for many years for independence and statehood."

Photo : President Rivlin , Mr. David Quarrey  and  his partner  Mr Aldo Oliver Henriquez

Ambassador of the United Kingdom H.E. Mr. David Quarrey presented his diplomatic credentials. President Rivlin said to him, "During your term here, we will celebrate the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, which perhaps marks the beginning of the diplomatic relations between Israel and Britain. I greatly appreciate the words of Prime Minister David Cameron on the need to fight against fundamentalism – terror is terror, wherever it occurs. We are aware of the importance you place in creating confidence building measures in order to bring an end to the conflict in our region. We must first of all understand, and then make our neighbors understand that we are not doomed, but destined to live together. During your term here, we are looking forward, with your abilities and great experience, to receiving your assistance in building this confidence. I want to also convey my warmest regards to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and extend to her an invitation to visit our region."

Ambassador Quarrey thanked the President, and stressed his desire to strengthen and further the bilateral ties between Israel and the UK. He said, "A big part of my job over the next four years will be to develop the ties that we have in trade, investment, and in science and technology, which are of great benefit to both countries, and also is the best answer we have to those who call for boycotts of Israel."

He added, "As you say it is also vitally important that we work together against extremism in the region. David Cameron has spoken out very strongly on this, and the United Kingdom and Israel must be partners in this struggle against extremism. I think also as you say, there is a great need for progress toward peace in the region - that need is very urgent, and we will do whatever is needed to support the difficult decisions required to achieve peace. I would also like to see more cultural collaboration between the UK and Israel and I hope to be able to give that a higher profile. Indeed, we are marking 400 years since the death of Shakespeare next year, and we look forward to marking that in Israel."

Photo : President Rivlin with Dr Clemens von Goetze

Ambassador of Germany H.E. Dr. Clemens von Goetze was next to present his credentials. President Rivlin welcomed him warmly and said, "Just recently, we celebrated fifty years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Our joint history is a lesson to the whole world, we of course will never forget the past, but we work towards the future. We appreciate your commitment, especially noted by Chancellor Merkel, to us and to our country, and we appreciate the help of the German government regarding the security of Israel and all that you do when it comes to the war on terrorism. Our good relations are not just between governments or states, but between our peoples, and indeed, our good relations are such that we can even agree to disagree on issues."

Ambassador von Goetze thanked the President, and noted he was greatly moved to be here in Israel. He said, "We cannot ignore that first and foremost, the relationship between our countries is based on a sense of guilt and responsibility for the Holocaust. We are enormously grateful that Israel has nevertheless, stretched out a hand of friendship towards Germany. Indeed we have achieved good relations, and because of the tragic history between us, the security of Israel is for us the most important thing in our bilateral relations. In order to ensure the future it is important that we add to and strengthen our economic cooperation in the fields of high-tech, technology and more. As you said, the essence of the success of our relationship is due to the relationship between peoples and not just governments, given which, it is important for us to strengthen the connections between the young people of both countries."

Photo : President Rivlin with Mr. Joseph Rutabana  and family

Ambassador of Rwanda H.E. Mr. Joseph Rutabana presented his credentials as the first ambassador of Rwanda to Israel. The President welcomed him and said, "I am delighted to welcome you here as the first ambassador of your country to Israel. We have excellent relations between our countries, and we see in Africa a promising future. There is no doubt that your arrival will add and strengthen our future cooperation."

The Ambassador thanked the President for his warm welcome and said, "It is a great honor for me to come to the holy land as the first ambassador of my country. We will be delighted to strengthen the cooperation between our countries, in my last visit I saw the extent to which Israel has developed and is developing and provides a wonderful example for my country."

Photo : President Rivlin with Mr Winslow Waven

The non-resident Ambassador of Seychelles to Israel, H.E. Mr. Winslow William Waven, presented his credentials to the President, who warmly welcomed him and said, "We are delighted to receive you here. We know of, and support you in your determined struggle against terrorism. We hope that in the not too distant future, you will have a permanent representation in Israel, which will greatly strengthen the mutual bond between our countries."

The Ambassador thanked the President for his words and said, "Thank you and your government for the warm hospitality I have received in Israel, and my arrival here is very much a testament to the desire on our behalf to strengthen the ties between our countries in a range of issues."

 Photo  : Mark Neymann  / GPO

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Written by Jonathan Danilowitz

Published: 27 August 2015

 Ukraine Celebrates in Tel Aviv.

From the moment we entered the grand ballroom at the Dan Panorama Hotel last Monday evening we knew this was going to be special. The receiving line, headed by His Excellency Ambassador Hennadii Nadolenko and Mr. Nadolenko, was followed by a “guard of honor” composed of smiling young ladies in Ukrainian national dress, adding a colorful welcome touch as we entered the hall. The giant ballroom, beautifully decorated and perfectly air-conditioned, was indeed welcoming. It was not hard to detect the Ukrainian influence as guests mingled over cocktails and snacks, followed by a superb buffet dinner. A credit to the hosts (and no less, to the hotel caterers and chefs).

Ukrainian, Russian, French, German Hebrew, English and more – the languages and cultures mixed comfortably as the whisky, vodka and wine flowed generously. Elegant ladies, smart cultural and military attaches, many Ambassadors and consular officials, Ukrainian nationals, Israeli business and society people and of course the media.  Ukraine has been in the news a lot lately, for better and for worse, and this was an event that everyone hoped would signify only the betterment on that country.

Ambassador Nadolenko opened the proceedings with an eloquent address, first in Ukrainian, followed by a translation into English. He noted that Ukraine declared its independence 24 years ago, on the 24th August 1991. He mentioned that his country has always deeply appreciated the valuable friendship and close economic ties with Israel, with whom it shares values of democracy and the rule of law. “Today Ukraine is going through the most difficult period of its independence – a struggle for territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state. … The war in Donbas … will remain forever in the memory of the Ukrainian people, along with other tragic historical events. … Today, more than ever, the experience and support of friendly countries, including the State of Israel, is valuable for Ukraine. The principle position of Israel and its support of sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine is highly appreciated in our country”.

The Ambassador took care to mention: “We expect that the upcoming visits of the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu to Kyiv and the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko to Jerusalem will significantly influence bilateral relations. … We are looking to the future of our country with optimism, despite the difficulties being experienced by Ukrainian people today”.

In his kind comments he also noted that: “Among the most devoted friends we would like to highlight and thank all immigrants from Ukraine in Israel, all those who over the last year supported the Ukrainian people in different ways. We are [also] grateful for the humanitarian aid of Israelis to temporarily displaced persons from Donbass, for help to Ukrainian children, for support in the treatment of wounded in ATO Ukrainian soldiers, for manifestations in support of Ukraine, … for support by people who are not indifferent to Ukraine”.

Responding on behalf of the State of Israel, Minister Ofir Akunis, Minister for Environmental Protection, thanked the Ambassador for his kind words, and congratulated the Ukrainian government and people on this auspicious occasion. He spoke of the shared heritage: “The strength of the relationship between our two nations is based both in the heritage of the Jewish community in Ukraine, which has a rich history going back centuries, and in the contribution of Israeli citizens who emigrated from Ukraine and brought the value of that shared heritage with them to their new home”. The Minister reminded the audience that no less than three former Israeli Prime Ministers were Ukrainian born: Golda Meir, Levi Eshkol, and Moshe Sharet.

Minister Akunis spoke of the growing trade and cultural relations between the countries, especially the increase in agricultural, medical and research & development bilateral relations, for which the Ukrainian Embassy and Ambassador Nadolenko have played an important part.

However, Mr. Akunis did not gloss over the dark years of Ukrainian-Jewish history, culminating in WW2 when millions of Jews were annihilated. The anti-Semitism of past years is over: “We welcome the growing awareness of these events in recent years, and the Government's zero-tolerance policy towards expressions of anti-Semitism. We hope and are confident that this positive trend will continue”. He ended his address this: “Mr. Ambassador, please convey our heartfelt congratulations to your Government and to the Ukrainian People on the occasion of your National Day. May Ukraine enjoy peace and prosperity, and may the bonds of friendship between Ukraine and Israel become ever stronger in the years ahead”.

A beautiful live rendition of the Ukrainian National Anthem, followed by the Israeli anthem ended the formal part of the evening, with the Ambassador and the Minister raising their glasses in a toast to the two friendly countries.

The executive director and staff of www.diplomacy.co.il join in congratulating the government and the people of  Ukraine on their national day celebrations.

 Photos Silvia G Golan

Details

Written by Jonathan Danilowitz

Published: 03 August 2015

The warm Tel Aviv evening was softened and smoothed by the elegance and charm of the celebration’s host, His Excellency Mr. Andreas Baum, at the lovely Ramat Gan ambassadorial residence. Guests mingled on the lawns, cooled by the delightful Swiss wines and other refreshments. The Israel diplomatic corps and a large gathering of Swiss nationals and residents of Israel, together with the cream of Israeli society, business people, journalists and friends, made for a “gemütlich” event.

A quartet of musicians, the “Pushkin Music Band” entertained the guests while cocktails and snacks were being served. Before Ambassador Baum addressed the gathering, the musicians gave beautiful renditions, first of the Israeli national anthem, and then that of Switzerland. The event was of course to celebrate the Swiss National Day (German: Schweizer Bundesfeier; French: Fête nationale Suisse; Italian: Festa nazionale svizzera; Romansh: Fiasta naziunala Svizra) of that multi-cultural and multi-lingual democracy, which actually falls on the 1st August. This year marks 724 years on the confederation. Mazal tov.

Following the address by His Excellency (copied below in full, for the convenience of www.diplomacy.co.il readers) a delicious buffet meal was offered, with true Swiss raclette taking pride of place.

“ Honoured guests, dear friends and colleagues,

Thank you for joining us to celebrate Switzerland’s 724th anniversary. We will now hear the national anthem of our host country Israel, followed by the Swiss Psalm.

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Thank you. I am happy to reaffirm the close ties between Switzerland and Israel. They are broad and diverse, based on common interests and shared values, and not least on the large, vibrant Swiss community, many of whose representatives are here tonight. On the official level, the year was marked by the December visit of a high level official, scientific and business delegation with the aim of learning from the Israeli innovation and startup system. It was followed in May by the visit of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swiss Council of States, led by Professor Felix Gutwiller. The official calendar is yet to be completed by the regular political dialogue between the Foreign Ministries planned for November. Together with its Israeli partners, the Embassy is busy organizing a multiplicity of events, such as yesterday’s lecture by Dr. Nicolas Wyrsch, who is present among us tonight, on the Solar Impulse technology. Solar Impulse, as you know, is a Swiss airplane, currently in Hawaii on an attempt to complete a pioneering round-the-world trip using solar energy only. A strong orientation towards innovation and creativity is common to both countries and binds them in multiple ways. And I am pleased that this year’s Locarno Film Festival will specially highlight Israeli films.

A common attachment to democratic values is another essential ingredient in the relationship. Shared interests and values don’t thrive through verbal reaffirmation. They have to be nourished and experienced daily, by both Swiss and Israeli efforts. Because we care, we will sometimes express our worries. We admire and support Israel’s vibrant democracy, which currently offers a remarkable degree of democratic space. That NGOs can disagree with government policies and still freely go about their business is a credit to Israeli democracy, and should remain an indispensable ingredient.

Switzerland is firmly opposed to all boycotts, to antisemitism, to all attempts at denying Israel’s right to exist. We thus support a negotiated two State solution. And you won’t be surprised to hear that all high level official Swiss visitors regularly urge their Israeli interlocutors to end the occupation and the settlement enterprise. We haven’t witnessed a war for almost one year. This is not the cruel summer of 2014. For this we can all be grateful. But the lack of perspective is disquieting. Even in an unsafe, rapidly changing, truly frightening geostrategic environment, perspective is necessary, a larger context and opportunities do exist. I still don’t believe in zero-sum games, with fear as their main guiding principle. The last three years may have somewhat dampened my optimism. But my message tonight is not one of quiet resignation; it is rather a polite, respectful and unbowed reaffirmation of our principles and our determination.

Speaking of perspectives, I am often asked whether Swiss federalism could serve as a model for Israel. One of the most concrete proposals was put forward by my compatriot and Professor at Tel Aviv University Carlo Strenger. Based on the broad differences of lifestyle and values within Israeli society, he asks whether the creation of Swiss style Cantons with a certain degree of autonomy would not provide answers. Beyond my general skepticism about the applicability of “models”, of transplants and advice, I believe that these ideas deserve discussion within Israeli society. But I must remind the audience that the Swiss model consists of a whole political culture, which comes as a package, composed of Cantons, direct democracy, a culture of pragmatism and compromise, a strong orientation towards consensus. Cantonal boundaries often do not coincide with language or religious boundaries, creating a unique patchwork where every citizen is in one way or the other both in the majority and the minority. In our system internal differences are not seen as a threat, but as making us richer. The full model is relatively recent - our last civil war, with a strong religious connotation, goes back to 1847 only - and it currently undergoes its own challenges, such as our relationship towards migration and with the European Union. But I have no doubt that some of our experiences about how to integrate minorities could be of interest to Israel.

I listened with great interest to President Rivlin’s words at the recent Herzliya Conference, his description of the challenges and fragmentation currently facing Israel. He even talks of an “inter-tribal zero sum game”. His vision of a New Israeli Order, requiring a move to a new concept of partnership between the various population sectors of society, is truly inspiring. Through a sense of security, shared responsibility, equity and equality, the creation of a shared Israeli character, he foresees an “Israeli dream” that can be realized by each and every young person. This, in the humble opinion of this outsider, is true vision and reason for hope.

This National Day celebration marks the last official function in Israel for my deputy Natalie Kohli, my closest adviser for the past years, who put her essential stamp on the embassy’s work and became a friend to many of those present tonight. We will miss you and wish you good luck for your next posting as the Deputy Head of the Division for UN Affairs in Berne.

Finally, I wish to thank all of those who have made this evening possible, from the Embassy team to the kitchen and service brigades. A special thank you goes to the musicians of Pushkin, who, after their much appreciated performance last year, are again delighting us with their creative and dynamic renditions of neo-classical music. The buffet should now be open. Cheese can be found on my left side, meat on the right and salads inside. Again, thank you for coming and let’s enjoy the evening together."

Photos :  Silvia G Golan