Diplomatic Events

Details

Written by President’s Spokesperson’s Office

Published: 17 December 2018

President Rivlin receiving credentials from Ambassador  Vhangha Patrice Koffi, the ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire

President Rivlin received diplomatic credentials from the new Ambassadors of Cote d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, Uganda and Iceland to the State of Israel

New ambassadors from Cote d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, Uganda and Iceland presented their credentials to President Rivlin today, Monday 17 November / 9 Tevet, in an official ceremony at Beit HaNasi, as they began their terms as ambassadors of their countries to the State of Israel. Each ceremony began with the raising of their national flag, inspecting a IDF guard of honor and the playing of the national anthem of their country by the Israel Police Band. The new ambassadors presented their credentials to the president and were then received in the Jerusalem Room for a meeting with the president. At the end of the ceremony they signed the guest book and ‘Hatikva’, the national anthem of the State of Israel, was played.

The first to present his credentials was Vhangha Patrice Koffi, the ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire. The president welcomed the ambassador, saying “the relations between Israel and Cote d’Ivoire go back many years, to your independence. Recently relations have become stronger, particularly in the field of counter-terrorism and cyber warfare.” The president said, “I know you toured the northern border recently and saw for yourself the attack tunnels built by Hizbollah and funded by Iran. We hope that you will speak out in international organizations against their terrorist policies. We also hope that our friends in Africa, including Cote d’Ivoire, will support the return of Israel as an observer to the African Union.”

Ambassador Koffi thanked the president for his warm welcome and said, “the cooperation between our two countries began when we gained independence and today we are benefiting from Israel’s technological advances. You are flourishing in many fields and we hope to learn from you and your knowledge. Our cooperation is based on agreements from the 1960s, and I believe we need to modernize and update them so that we can work more effectively together.”

President Rivlin receiving credentials from Ambassador Carlos Wahnon Veiga, the ambassador of Cape Verde

The next to present his credentials to the president was Carlos Wahnon Veiga, the ambassador of Cape Verde. The president welcomed him and remarked that he was the first ambassador of his country to Israel for 12 years. “Our peoples are old friends,” said the president, “and there were Jews on Cape Verde for hundreds of years.” President Rivlin thanked the ambassador for his country’s vote in favor of condemning Hamas terrorism at the UN, for the restoration of the Jewish cemetery on Sao Antao and for protecting Jewish heritage in the country. He also expressed his hopes of strengthened relations between the countries, greater cooperation and cultural exchanges.

The ambassador of Cape Verde presented his credentials to the president and said, “thank you , Mr President, for your warm welcome. It is a great honor to be my country’s ambassador to the State of Israel. I will fight for my country to have a resident ambassador here, because it is what the relations between our two peoples deserve. I will do my utmost to strengthen and deepen the relations between us. We have much to learn from you, and much in common. It is our duty to ensure we have good relations with Israel.”

President Rivlin receiving credentials from Ambassador of Uganda, Sam Sebuliba Male

The president received the credentials of ambassador of Uganda, Sam Sebuliba Male, and said, “the links between our two countries are wide and deep and go back many years.” The president noted that each year some 220 Ugandan agricultural students come to Israel and emphasized “Africa is the youngest continent and the future of humanity. The key to our relations is people-to-people contact, not just government-to-government. I believe that the return of Israel to the African Union as an observer can bring great benefit to all parties.” The president noted the ambassador’s contacts across the Middle East and asked him to promote regional discussions to limit the influence of Iran.

The Ugandan ambassador thanked the president for his remarks and said, “I bring warm regards, Mr President, from the President of Uganda. The relations between our two countries are flourishing, despite ups and downs in the past. Yesterday, I visited Yad Vashem and I want to express our sadness and sympathy. We will never let it happen again. Thank you for the warm reception.”

President Rivlin receiving credentials from Ambassador Oskarsson of Iceland

Finally, Thordur Aegir Oskarsson, presented his credentials to President Rivlin. “I want to thank your government and the people of Iceland for their decision to vote for the resolution condemning Hamas terrorism at the United Nations,” said the president. “We value your support greatly. I would also like to congratulate Iceland on becoming deputy chair of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva next year. We hope that with Iceland’s leadership the flood of anti-Israel resolutions and double standards will stop. Deepening our relations means developing contacts between peoples, not just governments,” he added. “I hope that we can work together on innovation, bringing young leaders together in the fields of technology, health and education.”

Ambassador Oskarsson thanked the president for his warm welcome and said, “thank you, Mr President, for your kind welcome. It is true that we do not always agree on everything, but we are proud that Iceland supported Israel’s independence in 1947. The current government seeks balanced and sensible relations with Israel. The new “open skies” agreement and the opening of direct flights between our countries will help a great deal and is key to closer relations between the countries and the people. I hope we are able to develop our economic relations, which are very limited at present. I bring greetings from the president of Iceland and from the whole government.”

Photo credit: Haim Zach (GPO)

Details

Written by Jonathan Danilowitz

Published: 05 December 2018

A triple anniversary – and a wonderful celebration:  Firstly – Romania’s national day Secondly – 100 years of the reunification of Romania And finally – 70 years of full diplomatic relations between Romania and Israel. Yes, Romania was one of the first countries of the world to recognize the re-establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

It was a gala event, including a concert in the Recanati Hall at Tel Aviv’s Museum of Art, and a lavish cocktail reception after the concert in Museum’s Riklis Foyer. Guests gathered in the auditorium and included Diana Toma, General Manager for Tarom in Israel; Ambassador Dr. Rodika Radian-Gordon; Superintendent Moti Meiry of  the Israel Police; Yoni Zilberman, former representative of the Israel Police; Shasha Grimberg; Natan Rotenberg, Director International Relations Public Security M.O.P.S.; a large representation of diplomats serving in Israel; and many VIPs and members of Israel’s Romanian Community. The evening opened with renditions of the Romanian national anthem and then the anthem of Israel, both performed by the Jerusalem Academy of Music graduate, Monica Schwartz.

The opening address by Mircea Chitic, Charge d’affaires, speaking in place of Mr. Ovidiu Ierulescu who was unable to attend, stressed the fine diplomatic relations between the two states. Mr. Chitic noted that the link “ … between Romania and the State of Israel is based on common values and shared goals, … a bond that is continuously extending and developing to the benefit of our countries and peoples”. He spoke of the multiple official contacts at all levels, the special ties and the bilateral economic cooperation before mentioning “Romania's Presidency to the EU Council will be an occasion to highlight our country's attachment to European projects, especially among younger generations, by taking on the role of an honest broker in advancing the negotiations within the EU processes.” He was particularly proud of the sound contribution of the community of Israelis originating from Romania in bringing the two countries together. “They continue to be attached to the Romanian cultural values and serve as a human bridge between our countries to get young Israeli generations closer to the Romanian heritage of traditions. Their contribution to the strengthening of the State of Israel is a reason of pride for Romania. One might just remember the citizens of Moineşti – Bacău who founded the first settlements in Zichron Yaakov and Rosh Pina.”

Mr. Chitic did not fail to mention that: “Romania’s Chairmanship to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance reflected our strong commitment to the commemoration of the Holocaust victims and the fight against anti-Semitism and xenophobia. At a national level, the political commitment in the fight against anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination is supported by the legal framework. Our genuine efforts for raising awareness about these aspects are completed by Romania’s strong interest in deepening the cooperation in the field of education, including the history of the Holocaust. Our Government took the initiative to open a National Museum of Jewish History and the Holocaust in Romania, for which the Bucharest City Hall has allocated a beautiful historic building in the downtown area, in the most touristic part of the city. We will continue to rely on the support of the State of Israel and the Yad Vashem Institute in completing this objective.”

He ended by thanking the guests and by extending his good wishes for a joyful Hanukkah celebration.

M.K. Gilad Erdan responded on behalf of the State of Israel. His opening remarks included Israel’s appreciation of: “When the Iron Curtain and Arab oil cut off Israel from the Eastern Bloc, Romania bravely stood up to the pressure and maintained an open channel with Israel.” He told of his own family’s Romanian roots and that Jews of Romanian descent have played key roles in every aspect of Israeli life, from culture to business to diplomacy to the military. The economic, security and hi-tech links are as important as Israel’s agriculture and water technologies.

Mr. Erdan mentioned tourism too: “Tourism between Romania and Israel continues to grow at an unprecedented rate – 300,000 Israeli tourists travel to Romania each year, and a new record of 80,000 Romanian tourists came here. The 60 direct flights per week are a testimony of the close relations between our peoples.” He also spoke warmly of Romanian Holocaust activities: “We recognize the important steps that Romania is taking to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and the mass murder of Romanian Jews, including my grandfather's first wife and seven children.  It's crucial that this process continues and that Romanians learn about the Holocaust. Only by studying the horrors of the past

can we work to ensure that they never repeat themselves in the future.”

“Today we count Romania as one of our closest friends in the European Union. We look forward to the upcoming Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. No Doubt that these are challenging times for the EU, but I'm confident that Romania will help steer the EU to a period of greater stability and growth.  We count on Romania in helping to ensure that Israel is treated fairly by the EU and that all attempts to single out Israel for discrimination are countered.”

Minister Erdan praised Romania’s steps toward moving its Embassy to Jerusalem. “I've no doubt that if Romania was to take the brave and moral stance of moving its embassy to Jerusalem, numerous other countries would follow Romania's lead.”

He ended by extending best wishes to the people of Romania on the occasion of the country’s National Day.

The concert, under the auspices of the Romanian Cultural Institute, featured masters of Romanian music: pianist Ilinca Dumitrescu and bassoonist Vasile Macovei.

After a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony by Rabbi Elhanan Guttmann, guests were invited to enjoy the buffet reception in the museum foyer. Israeli and Romanian delicacies, accompanied by beverages that included wines and liqueurs from the host country, were a fitting end to a wonderful evening.

The directors and staff of www.diplomacy.co.il join in congratulating the people of Romania on these auspicious anniversaries.

Photos by Silvia G. Golan

Details

Written by Steven Aiello & Yonatan Avidor

Published: 10 December 2018

On Tuesday evening, December 4, the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Israel celebrated its 27th Independence day at the Ambassador’s Residence in Herzliya, together with ambassadors, politicians and diplomats from around the world.

The event began with the anthems of Kazakhstan and Israel. As this year’s celebration coincided with the holiday of Hanukkah, a Menorah was lit as well. It was noted that in Astana,this year governmental permission had been given for a public Hanukkah lighting in Astana for the first time in years, so the miracles of Hanukkah and the message of its lights would be shared in Kazakhstan with all the passersby.

Following the lighting ceremony and words from the rabbi, Ambassador Doulat Kuanyshev gave his speech. The ambassador welcomed guests to the 27 year Independence celebration of Kazakhstan. He also wished his guests a Happy Hanukkah.

Ambassador Kuanyshev noted that Hanukkah lights were on display outside the Pyramid of Peace and Reconciliation, one of the top tourist attractions in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. He also noted that there would be lightings in seven synagogues around the country.

The Ambassador welcomed two former ambassadors of Israel to Kazakhstan, Israel Mey-Ami and Eliyahu Tasman, and thanked them for their contributions to the development of relations between the countries. In a sign of how these relations have grown, he cited the 2016 visit of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Kazakhstan, where he met with President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Israel is the 5th biggest trading partner of Kazakhstan among Asian partners, reaching  $368 million in trade through the first nine months of 2018. Israelis can travel to Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days. Yet there is still much room to grow in these relations, and the ambassadors noted efforts to resume direct flights between the countries, and easier visa-free travel.

Kazakhstan’s status is the largest economy in Central Asia, and a GDP estimate for this year of 160 billion dollars, with competitive advantages including its unique climate for crop, husbandry and agricultural production. This offers significant potential for future investment and trade opportunities, in particular for an exchange of technological know-how.

On the subject of international diplomacy, the ambassador stated that Kazakhstan’s main goal had been to promote the unique global model of inter-ethnic, inter-cultural, and inter-religious dialogue, understanding and non-discrimination based on the unique Kazakh model. He mentioned that Astana has hosted many high level meetings like OSCE and OIC Summits, Astana peace talks, EXPO 2017, and is one of the most important platforms for dialogue dialogue between conflicting parties in Syria. For years Israeli representatives, including chief rabbis and Christian clergy leaders, have attended the annual Congress of World and Traditional Religions in Astana.

Finally, the ambassadors stressed Kazakhstan's priority to work as an objective and neutral mediator and bridge builder in the context of its position s a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Yoel Razvazov spoke on behalf of the Israeli government. Razvazov offered his congratulations, and also spoke about the strong Israel-Kazakhstan relations, and about how thankful Israel is for Kazakhstan's help to the Jews during the holocaust. Minister Elkin also mentioned the bright future of the the Israel-Kazakhstan relations. Following the speeches guests enjoyed dinner, including a kosher table from a local restaurant specializing in Central Asian cuisine.

Among the many distinguished guests in attendance were Ambassador Meron Reuben, chief of state protocol in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ehud Olmert the 12th former Prime Minister of Israel; former Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Silvan Shalom; Israeli Minister of Environmental protection Ze'ev Elkin; Tony (Antoanet) Levy, External Relations Officer (ERO) for the President's Office at the Holon Institute of Technology and Zina Polyanski   Chairman of the Israel -Kazakhstan friendship Association.

Details

Written by President’s Spokesperson’s Office

Published: 08 November 2018

 Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Ghassan Majali Ambassador of Jordan to Israel

President Rivlin Today Accepts Diplomatic Credentials from New Ambassadors of Croatia, Jordan, the Czech Republic, Egypt, and Mongolia

 President Rivlin to the incoming Jordanian Ambassador:

“Next year we will mark the 25^th anniversary of our peace treaty. We are determined to live in peace with our neighbors and we are hopeful and optimistic that others will do as you have done.”

 Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr.Khaled Azmi Ambassador of Egypt to Israel

President Rivlin to the incoming Egyptian Ambassador:

“We face similar challenges and our military and intelligence cooperation is of strategic importance. Together, we can face the challenges of terrorism and ISIS in Sinai and Gaza better. Under the leadership of your president, Egypt plays a key role in the Arab world as a voice of reason and moderation. We appreciate your efforts towards stability in the region, and particularly with the Palestinians in Gaza.”

President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin this morning, 8 November / 30 Cheshvan, received diplomatic credentials from the new Ambassadors of Croatia, Jordan, the Czech Republic, Egypt and Mongolia to the State of Israel at a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. As each ambassador arrived, their country’s flag was raised and the Israel Police Band played their national anthem. The ambassadors inspected a IDF guard of honor and presented their credentials to the president. After an audience with the president, the new ambassadors signed the guest book and Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, was played at the end of the ceremony.

 Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mrs.Vesela Mrđen Korać, Ambassador of   to Israel

The first to present her credentials was the new ambassador of Croatia, Vesela Mrđen Korać. The president welcomed her and said, “I visited Croatia this year and was received warmly. Please send my warm regards to the president and prime minister of your country.” He also said, “as a member of the European Union, Croatia plays a key role in blocking Iranian influence. We must ensure that Iran does not continue to destabilize our region.”

The Croatian ambassador thanked the president for his warm and kind welcome and said, “I had the pleasure of meeting you on your visit to Croatia in July, and we are looking forward to our president’s reciprocal state visit to Israel next year. Our countries have close and strong relations, and we are interested in deepening them even further into a regular dialog. Croatia is a strong friend and ally of Israel at the UN, in NATO and in the European Union.”

The next to present his credentials was the incoming ambassador of Jordan, Ghassan Majali. President Rivlin welcomed him and noted that next year we will mark the 25^th anniversary of the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty. “We are determined to live in peace with our neighbors, and we are hopeful and optimistic that others will do as you have done. The good relations between our two countries are a legacy of the leadership of the late King Hussein. Please send my warmest wishes to His Majesty King Abdullah II.”

The president continued: “We appreciate the key role that Jordan plays as an island of stability in our region. But we can still do more to broaden cooperation in areas that impact on both our peoples. We breath the same air and live on the same piece of land. When you lack water, we lack water. We must do more to find ways of confronting these challenges together. Another important project is the ‘Jordan Gateway’ that could link the port of Haifa to Irbid, Amman and Aqaba, and from there to the Arab world, creating thousands of jobs.”

The Jordanian ambassador presented his credentials and he, too, noted the important anniversary of the peace treaty that will be celebrated next year: “We remember the huge efforts made by great leaders, the late King Hussein and the late Yizhak Rabin, who stood firm in the face of all odds,” he added. “King Abdullah believes that the peace treaty is a cornerstone for peace in the region and in the world and that a breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process is a top priority for the Hashemite Kingdom. Thank you for your warm welcome, Mr. President.”

The president added, “We do not only live in the same neighborhood, we are really neighbors. We drink the same water and we breathe the same air. It is time that our two peoples get to know each other better.”

 Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Martin Stropnick, Ambassador of Czech to Israel

Following this, the president received the credentials of Martin Stropnick, the new Czech ambassador. “I am so happy you are here. You left a very important position in government to be your country’s ambassador to Israel. That says something about the good relations between our two countries,” he continued and emphasized the excellent bilateral relations between Israel and the Czech Republic and that Israel would be delighted to continue to develop and deepen areas of cooperation. President Rivlin thanked the Czech people for its assistance to the young State of Israel in the war of independence and recalled that the first rifle he handled as a recruit to the IDF was Czech-manufactured. At the end of their conversation, the president stressed the importance of the Czech Republic’s position on Iran. “Israel is a true friend of Israel, supporting us on every issue and in every forum.” The president sent his warmest wishes to President Zeman, who will be visiting Israel soon, to the Czech government and the Czech people.

The Czech ambassador thanked the president and said, “our two peoples have so many areas of cooperation, but I’d like to mention our work together on cyber, on water management and innovation. Lots of Czech tourists already come to Israel, but since my appointment as ambassador to Israel was announced I have found I have lots of new friends, and so I can assure you that the ambassador’s residence will be full, adding even more visitors to Israel,” said the ambassador, smiling.

The next to present his credentials to the president was the incoming Egyptian ambassador, Khaled Azmi. The president began by noting that in a few months time we will mark the 40^th anniversary of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. He said he hoped that a way could be found to celebrate the event and to pass on the values of peace and partnership to the next generations. “Since the peace treaty was signed nearly 40 years ago, we have welcomed six Egyptian ambassadors. Now you are the seventh. I wish you success during your time here.”

The president also said, “We face similar challenges and our military and intelligence cooperation is of strategic importance. Together, we can face the challenges of terrorism and ISIS in Sinai and Gaza better. Under the leadership of your president, Egypt plays a key role in the Arab world as a voice of reason and moderation. We appreciate your efforts towards stability in the region, and particularly with the Palestinians in Gaza.”

The Egyptian ambassador thanked the president for his warm welcome and spoke about the anniversary of the peace treaty: “it was an important step and the vision of great statesmen, and it remains a pillar of stability and an example that should be followed around the region. Egypt remains committed to the peace treaty and to bringing peace to the whole region. We are proud of our history, which is a model of tolerance, co-existence, and acceptance.”

The president added: “The Egyptian people play an important role in our region. There are advantages to peace, and ‘no more war’ is not just a phrase. It is important that the two peoples get to know each other.”

 Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Bold Ravdan, Ambassador of  Mongolia to Israel.  Photo credit: Tomer Reichman (courtesy)

Finally, the president received the credentials of the Mongolian ambassador, Bold Ravdan. “I am pleased that such a distinguished and experienced diplomat is representing Mongolia in Israel,” said the president. “Our two countries cooperate on education and I’m pleased that we have recently extended the cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science.”

“It’s a great honor to represent my government and my people as the Mongolian ambassador to Israel,” said the ambassador. “Israel is a proud and spirited country, and there is great potential for the expansion of our relations. We would be happy to do so,” he said.

Photo credit: Haim Zach, GPO