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Uzbekistan Celebrates 24years of Independence

 

On Wednesday evening the cream of Uzbek society in Israel gathered in the ballroom of Tel Aviv’s Dan Panorama Hotel, together with the diplomatic community and other invited Israeli VIPs and guests. The occasion: to celebrate the 24th National Independence Day of the republic of Uzbekistan. Hosting the evening was His Excellency Oybek Eshonov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Israel, together with his charming wife, Mrs. Mohira Eshinova. The foyer to the ballroom was decorated with motifs and cultural icons of the country, so that the proper atmosphere for an ethnic evening began right away.

 

The ethnic motive continued with Uzbek music and an interesting giant video showing scenes of the country. The generous buffet dinner and drinks carried through, with typical foods and tastes to remind us of the Uzbek people. Some of it remarkably similar to Israeli dishes – a reminder of the large numbers of the Jewish community in Uzbekistan who have settled in Israel, and brought and shared their heritage.

 

Among the guests were members of cultural and artistic circles, Diplomats, business leaders, society members, the media and more. Guests included Mr. Amnon Cohen, who was born in Uzbekistan - former Israeli Cabinet Minister (five times) representing the SHAS political party - and today the Chairman of the Israel-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Association;  delegates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs included MM.Zvi Bar-Ner, Deputy Director General for Euro-Asia, Mrs Ofra Farhi, Head of the Economic Department in charge of Euro asia , Ambassador Shlomo Morgan from the Protocol Department who translated Minister David Azoulay's speech in English , Oren Anolik and Oded Josef.

 

 

Ambassador Eshonov was introduced by the Deputy Chief of the Mission, Mr. Murod Gulyamov. His Excellency began his address to the guests by welcoming the assembly and thanking them all for helping to celebrate the auspicious event. “It has been 24 years since Uzbekistan has proclaimed its sovereignty and entered into the new phase of historic development. Within a short period of time, our country has gone through a difficult but glorious journey.

 

Today we are rightfully proud of our achievements in all spheres of our society. The proof of this progress can easily be seen in the enormous changes in each family, large-scale transformation in our towns, villages and the country as a whole. … Over the last 10 years the economic growth of our country consistently exceeded 8%. Uzbekistan is ranked number five among the countries with accelerated economic development.”

 

The Ambassador mentioned that Israel had been one of the first countries to recognize the new Republic. He spoke of the centuries old friendship, brotherhood and harmony with the Jewish people, and added: “I would like to use this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the Government of the Israel for ongoing policy in strengthening bilateral cooperation. Our countries continuously keep active political dialogue and put a special importance into strengthening trade and economic relations. In the near future Tashkent will host the next round of policy planning consultations between the Foreign Ministries of our two countries. I also look forward to the support of our initiative to organize the first session of intergovernmental commissions in the capital of Uzbekistan taking place before the first half of next year.”

 

His Excellency ended his address with warm greetings: “On the eve of Israeli New Year, I would like to wish good health and great success to you, and peace and prosperity to all people of Israel. Let "Rosh Hashanah" bring much joy and happiness to each family and each house in Israel.”

 

Israel’s Minister of Religious Services, Mr. David Azoulai, responded on behalf of the government and the people of Israel, in Hebrew, followed by a translation into English.. He thanked the hosts and the host country and extended warm congratulations on behalf of the State of Israel. “Israel was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan, and since the establishment of diplomatic relations 23 years ago, we have enjoyed a friendly relationship in all fields. This friendship between Israel and Uzbekistan is based on mutual respect, shared values and a similar view of the strategic challenges we face. For this reason, we have developed cooperation in numerous areas – close political ties, economic cooperation as well as cooperation in the fields of culture and education. The two countries are partners in the fight against religious extremism and work to promote tolerance among peoples and religions.”

 

Mr. Azoulai added: “We cannot speak of Israel-Uzbekistan relations without mentioning the magnificent Jewish community that lived and flourished in Uzbekistan. Israel has a moral debt to the leadership of Uzbekistan for the warmth and tolerance it has shown and continues to show to the Jewish community. This is true both for the ancient Bukharan community, whose presence in Uzbekistan dates to the destruction of the First Temple, and for the Jews who fled the horrors of Nazi Germany and took refuge in Uzbekistan during WWII … and the important role the Uzbek leadership and people played in rescuing the Jews who decided to flee to Tashkent.”

 

The Minister concluded: “Please allow me to conclude by thanking you personally for your work to promote the relations between our countries. Please convey the respect and gratitude of the People of Israel has for the Uzbek people and leadership to President Karimov. Allow me to send the most sincere congratulations from Israel on your 24th anniversary of independence. We look forward to continued cooperation and courageous friendship between Israel and Uzbekistan”.

 

The two speakers welcomed Ms. Yulia Masti Moroz, also Uzbek-born and now resident in Israel, who sang the national anthems of both countries.

 

 

After dinner and the formal part of the evening, guests were entertained by a charmed performance of Uzbekistan music and dance, by a quartet of musicians and a magnificent dancer, all brought out to Israel especially for this event.

 

Congratulations Uzbekistan, may the country go from strength to strength.

 

 

 

Photos Silvia G Golan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Official opening of Embassy of Zambia in Israel

 

Israel and Zambia are interested in deepening bilateral relations, with emphasis on water, green energy and agriculture. Zambia is in the process of incorporating advanced technologies and sees Israel as a natural partner in its endeavors.

 

The dedication ceremony for the Embassy of Zambia in Israel took place on Monday (8 September) in the presence of Zambian Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba and the Director General of Israel's Foreign Ministry, Dr. Dore Gold.

 

During his visit in Israel (6-10 September), FM Kalaba is conducting meetings with Israel's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water, the Minister for Social Equality, and the Deputy Foreign Minister. He will also meet with Israeli companies in the fields of agriculture, solar energy and technology, with the aim of promoting cooperation.

 

Zambia and Israel enjoy friendly relations. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were renewed in 1991. The previous president of Zambia, Michael Sata, worked during his term of office to open an embassy in Israel. Both countries are very interested in deepening bilateral relations, with an emphasis on promoting cooperation in the fields of water, green energy and agriculture. Zambia is in the process of incorporating advanced technologies and sees Israel as a natural partner in its endeavors.

 

At its peak, the Jewish community in Zambia numbered 1000; today, only 30 Jews remain. Recently a museum on the history of Zambian Jewry opened in the city of Livingston. The Jewish community maintains the three Jewish cemeteries in Zambia.

 

In the past year, three African states have opened embassies in Israel: South Sudan, Rwanda and Zambia. These states join the 11 African states already represented in Israel, a fact that demonstrates the importance of relations between Israel and Africa and the enhanced cooperation between the states.

 

Photo

Zambian Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba with MFA Director-General Gold at opening of Zambian Embassy in Tel Aviv


Copyright: Israel MFA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 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