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President Rivlin receives diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors from China, New Zealand, & Burkina Faso
Newly appointed ambassadors from China, New Zealand, and Burkina Faso this morning (Thursday) presented their diplomatic credentials to President of Israel Reuven Rivlin, during an official ceremony at the President's Residence. In their meetings, the President expressed to each of them his desire for Israel to deepen and strengthen cooperation and mutually beneficial bilateral relationships with each of the states, and in turn the ambassadors noted their high expectations for their time as their countries' official representatives to Israel.
The incoming Ambassador of China, H.E. Mr. Zhan Yongxin said to the President upon presenting his credentials, "I bring with me the greetings of the Chinese President, and wish to express my appreciation of the warm welcome I have received in Israel."
The President expressed his thanks for China's efforts to assist in the rescue of Israelis caught in the Nepalese earthquake disaster. He said, "I want to thank you for your government's involvement in assisting Israeli tourists in Nepal after the terrible earthquake – for this I thank you and your country, from the bottom of my heart."
The Ambassador of China said, "The Chinese and Jewish peoples have enjoyed a long standing friendship and this serves as a solid foundation for furthering our cooperation. We have, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, made considerable progress in our cooperation in various fields, and frequent political interchanges and mutual visits have taken place, especially in the fields of innovation and technology. It is time for us to turn plans into action and transform expectation into reality. I believe we can double the trade volume between Israel and China over the next decade. It is my hope that will be able to embolden our fruitful cooperation in many fields."
Non-Resident Ambassador of New Zealand, H.E. Jonathan Andrew Curr, presented his credentials and said, "The relationship between Israel and New Zealand is very important to me personally as newly appointed ambassador, but also to the people of New Zealand as a whole. There is a very deep relationship between our two peoples, and a great amount of cooperation. We don't always see things exactly the same way in this region, but our approach has always been to listen to our friends and learn and understand their concerns. This visit is an opportunity to understand and learn more of Israel's outlook on developments in the region."
The President welcome the Ambassador and said, "I have been to New Zealand just once in my life but I will never forget the wonderful people I met there. New Zealand is a model of multiculturalism. We enjoy very strong relations between our countries, and though there are differences of opinions, as friends, we can agree to disagree."
The President added, "I would ask you to express to the government in New Zealand, the message that a solution to the conflict will be possible only through direct negotiations, and not through unilateral moves on the part of our neighbors the Palestinians."
Non-Resident Ambassador of Burkina Faso H.E. Mr. Gnama Henri Bacye, presented his credentials to the President and said, "I want to thank you and the State of Israel for your warm welcome. For me, arriving in the eternal city of Jerusalem is a dream come true. I visited the Old City, and at the Western Wall I prayed for peace for your region and the whole world."
The President responded, "I am very pleased to receive your credentials and welcome you to the President's Residence. Our relations with you are of high importance, we are cooperating in a range of subjects. I know that even as we speak, the director general of your Ministry of Agriculture is visiting Israel. The mutual exchange of information is beneficial to both our countries, and we will be happy to continue and deepen our relationship."
The Ambassador added, "I would like that my submitting of credentials today, will be moment of renewal and increasing our relationship." He raised with the President a proposal to encorage Israelis who have retired from full time work, to come to Burkina Faso to aid with their experience and knowledge in their respective fields. The Ambassador also extended an invitation to the President to visit Burkina Faso. The President thanked him for his invitation and stated, "Israeli pensioners certainly represent a wealth of experience and knowledge."
Photos by Mark Neumann GPO
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President Rivlin hosts New Year's reception for leaders of Israel's Christian communities
President Reuven Rivlin this morning (Tuesday), hosted the traditional, annual reception for leaders of Israel's Christian community leaders to mark the civil New Year. The event was attended by nine heads of various churches in Israel, and senior members of the community.
The President welcomed those attending and said, "Over the past months, we have been greatly concerned, by the on-going religious persecution and restrictions on freedom of worship for minorities in the Middle East. Because of their faith hundreds of thousands are being exiled, forcibly converted, attacked, and brutally murdered. This is a war against extremism. A war, being waged against those who want to spread a message of freedom of worship and coexistence, by those who carry the flag of destruction and hatred.
"This is a cause of great worry and pain for all us. We share the Psalms of King David, the words of the Prophets, and a love for Jerusalem, and the Holy Land. As we know, we are all created in the image of God. As the prophet Malachi wrote, "Do we not, all have one Father? Did not one God create us?" We will continue to live together, and build bridges of peace, here, in the land of our fathers.
"May we all, Christians, Muslims, Jews, children of Abraham, together with all those of different faiths, see the fulfillment of the vision of the prophet Isaiah, that "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and no longer learn war." Let 2015 be a year of partnership and friendship. Let it be a year of understanding and mutual respect. I wish you all a peaceful and happy New Year."
Also speaking at the event was Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Theophilos III, he said, "In this season in particular, the world, caught up in the darkness of violence, poverty, persecution and war, looks to us, the communities of the Holy Land for renewed hope and inspiration. Our precise paths as political and religious leaders may be different, but first and foremost, our concern is always our people. In this region, we recognize the diversity of the peoples and understand that the harmonious coexistence of the Abrahamic faiths is essential to the integrity of the Holy Land."
Photo Kobi Gideon GPO
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The chosen setting for celebrating of the Kenyan National Day this year was the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv. Many of the elegant ladies wore costumes reflecting Kenyan national pride, showcasing the sophistication of the guests who included many Ambassadors and diplomats, military attaches, Israeli army VIPS and other important Kenyan and Israeli socialites and captains of industry and commerce.
His Excellency Ambassador Lt. Gen. Augostino S.K. Njoroge and his gracious wife Mrs. Margaret Njoroge welcomed their guests. The flower decorations in front of the stage were breathtaking, both in their profusion and in their beauty. Scenes from Kenya, spotlighting African wildlife flashed on the large screens, adding to the atmosphere. Guests were treated to a princely cocktail reception, followed by an excellent dinner, where the waiters added to the grace of the evening in their dress suits – bowties and all. Among the VIP guests were ambassadors and diplomatic staff in Israel, including Ambassador António dos Santos of Angola, Ambassador Sisa Ngombane of South Africa, Mr. Nuriel Kasbian, honorary consul of Tanzania, Colonel Nigel Jefferson, British Defense & Military Attaché, Prof. Aubrey Soskolne and his wife Prof. Varda Soskolne, of the Hebrew University and Bar-Ilan University respectively, Mr. Ari Shomer and many others.
A group of young Kenyan schoolchildren studying in Israel and dressed in the national colors of their country sang the national anthems of Kenya and Israel. The Kenyan Ambassador to the State of Israel then addressed the assembled guests. The theme of the address was: "Kenya attaches great importance to the bilateral relations between the two countries". He spoke of the various spheres of mutual cooperation between the two countries, mentioning too that last year Kenya celebrated its 50 jubilee year of independence. Kenya, he added, views Israel as a model state, from which much can be gained in the fields of technology, agriculture, health, education and start-up innovations. Although for many years El Al Israel Airlines offered regular and frequent air service to Nairobi, that service was suspended a few years ago. Now, the Ambassador revealed, Kenya Airways will shortly inaugurate new direct flights between the Kenyan capital and Tel Aviv. The Ambassador also spoke of Kenya's serious terrorist attacks over the past two years and that the country is committed to the war on terrorism which he accurately described as a "global threat". The address ended with best wishes to the guests for Chanukah, Christmas and a prosperous 2015.
Yitzhak Aharonovich, Israel's Internal Security Minister, responded on behalf of Israel. "Kenya is an important strategic partner for Israel and the two countries benefit significantly from our cooperation on [various] matters." An invitation was extended to President Ohuru Kenyatta to visit Israel in 2015. Israel and Kenya enjoy excellent bilateral diplomatic and commercial relations and the Minister warmly welcomed the news that Kenya Airways would soon be introducing air links between the two countries. He too mentioned the recent terror attacks suffered in Kenya, and extended sympathy to the nation on the loss of life and injury to persons. In conclusion Minister Aharonovich asked the ambassador to extend the very best wishes from the State of Israel to the President and the people of the Republic of Kenya on this milestone.
A beautiful cake decorated with the flag of Kenya was then jointly sliced by the two main speakers, to the delight and applause of the assembled guests. Old friendships, and new ones, made the evening a grand success for everyone.
Kenya and Israel – l'chaim.
Photo by Sima Lahat
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- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
Right from the start your DIPLOMACY correspondent realized that this would be a special event. The newly-appointed Korean Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Lee Gun-tae, greeted his guests warmly, but without a doubt it was his gracious wife, Mrs. Won-ock Youn, together with the spouses of other high-ranking Korean diplomats on the receiving line, who stole the show in their elegant and outstandingly beautiful national-costume dresses.
The Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv was the chosen setting for the celebration of the Korean National Foundation Day. The colorful elegance of the Korean costumes was showcased against the sophistication of the guests, including the many diplomatic military attaches, Israeli army VIPS and heads of the Israel Police. Guests were treated to fine dinner, where the waiters added to the grace of the evening dressed in dinner dress suits, bowties and all.
Among the many VIPs and diplomatic representatives were MK Yair Shamir, Minister of Agriculture and Rural development, Mr. Ami H. Orkaby, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Eitan Haber, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Ms. Vered Pear Swid, Director General, Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women at the Prime Minister's Office, Asher Ben Artzi of the International Police Association, Superintendent Yonatan Zilberman, Israel Police Diplomatic Coordinator, Avi Uhr, Corporate Sales Manager of Fattal Hotels, and many others from Israel's society and commercial scene.
Ambassador Lee Gun-tae addressed the guests after a beautiful rendition of the Korean and Israeli national anthems. He reminded us that the actual date of the celebration falls in October, but as he – the host – only took up his appointment as the newest Korean ambassador to Israel just a few weeks before, the party was delayed.
The ambassador pointed out the many similarities between Korea and Israel, including that both were established in 1948, and both have become "models of economic development and mature democracy for many developing countries". He mentioned the excellent bi-lateral and economic relations between the two countries, noting too that many Israelis drive Korean cars and enjoy Korean consumer goods in their homes. Korean Air remains the only airline offering direct regular service to Israel from far-off East Asia. In conclusion, His Excellency warmly thanked the guests for attending and helping celebrate the occasion, and proposed a toast to "the long-lasting friendship between the two countries".
MK Yair Shamir responded on behalf of the State of Israel. He opened by extending sincere congratulations to the Republic of Korea and the Ambassador on his new appointment. He too touched on the similarities between the two countries – mentioning that both lacked natural resources and are located in "difficult" geo-political areas – and on the warm and long-lasting bilateral relations ever since diplomatic ties were established in in 1962.
Mr. Shamir generously praised the Republic of Korea for its successes. He also pointed out that Israel had immediately sent humanitarian aid to Korea after the ferry disaster a few years ago, and as an aside, that many Korean tourists visit and enjoy Israel. The Minister said that both Israel and Korea look forward to ever-improving diplomatic and commercial relations. He ended his address by asking the ambassador to extend best wishes from the government and people of Israel, to the Republic of Korea and its people.
The evening was rounded out by an energetic and appealing performance by young Israeli artists – a performance that put new meaning on: "you're only as old as you feel".
Congratulations Korea!
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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Photo President Reuven Rivlin with Ambassador of Angola, Mr. Feliciano Antonio Dos Santos
Newly appointed ambassadors to Israel presented their diplomatic credentials today (Wednesday) to President Reuven Rivlin, at an official ceremony at the President's Residence. Each noted their desire to strengthen ties between their own countries and Israel, and to promote partnership and cooperation.
Incoming Ambassador of Angola, Mr. Feliciano Antonio Dos Santos, thanked the President and said, "Israel has played an important and significant role in assisting infrastructure and agricultural development in Angola, and we are benefiting from the experience and understanding which you bring in these fields. I have been asked to take action to strengthen and deepen the relationship between our countries, and to promote cultural partnerships. We hope that with your help, my time here will be most productive."
President Rivlin warmly welcomed the Ambassador and said, "Angola has a central role in Africa; your economy is an example to many states around the world. Between our countries, we share excellent relations, of importance to both sides. We are impressed by your progress in the area of water and agriculture, and successful use of natural resources. I am pleased to welcome you to Israel."
Photo President Reuven Rivlin with Ambassador of the Philippines, Mr. Nathaniel Imperial
The incoming Ambassador of the Philippines, Mr. Nathaniel Imperial said, "I am delighted and honored to serve my country in the holy land. The good will, which characterizes the relationship between our countries, began already in the late 1930's, when our President initiated the 'open door policy' for Jews fleeing persecution at the hands of the Nazis. We released many visas, and if it had not been for the war in the Pacific, I have no doubt that many more Jews would have found shelter in our state. This 'open door policy', was an expression of the solidarity between Israel and the Jewish People, and the Philippines. In Israel, there are many workers from my country, and they enjoy safe employment with good conditions, for which I am both grateful and very proud."
The President praised the good relations between the two countries and said to the Ambassador, "Two weeks ago, we commemorated the 29th of November, when the UN voted for the creation of a Jewish state, and we will never forget that you were the only Asian country to vote in favor. We appreciate and remember this fondly to this day. In Israel, there is a strong and vibrant community from your country, whose integration and contribution to Israeli society is evidenced by so much, including the success of a member of the community on a leading Israeli television talent show. There is a wonderful relationship between our countries, and we look forward to expanding it. It is a great pleasure for us to have you in Israel as a diplomat and as a renowned poet; I hope that your books will be translated into Hebrew so that we can all benefit from them."
Photo President Reuven Rivlin with Ambassador from South Sudan to Israel, Mr. Ruben Marial Benjamin
For the first time, an Ambassador from South Sudan to Israel, Mr. Ruben Marial Benjamin, presented his credentials to the President. The Ambassador said, "I am happy to serve my country in Israel, and I have been sent here following the long and warm relations between us. We understand what it means to be in a long struggle, and Israel is an important friend who has helped us greatly and we appreciate this. I am happy to say that I feel at home in Israel."
The President responded, "I am excited to receive your appointment as the first ambassador from your country. We have much in common, we appreciate greatly the security ties between us, and see in South Sudan an important friend. On a personal note, I wanted to be a soccer player when I was a child, but sadly I wasn't good enough, and so I decided to be the president of my favorite club instead. I know that you are a good soccer player, and so I am happy to invite you to play and train in Jerusalem."
Photo President Reuven Rivlin with the Jamaican (non-resident) Ambassador to Israel, Mrs. Margaret Ann Louise Jobson
Lastly, the Jamaican (non-resident) Ambassador to Israel, Mrs. Margaret Ann Louise Jobson presented her credentials and said, "It is a great pleasure for me to serve as Ambassador to Israel. When I left Kingston they said to me that Israel is an important country for us. Jamaica has special bonds with Israel; the Jews of Jamaica were some of the earliest settlers to the island, and have contributed immensely to the economy and development. I believe there is a strong and sound basis to deepen our ties in the future."
The President responded by saying, "It is a pleasure to host you in Israel's capital, and to renew the presenting of credentials by the Ambassador of Jamaica. The relationship between our countries is excellent, and there is no doubt that your presence will help strengthen and deepen this bond." The President added in relation to the ambassador's status as a non-resident representative, "We will be happy to see you in Israel much more."
Photos Credit Mark Neumann
