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  Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Héctor Enrique Celarié Landaverde

 

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Costa Rica H.E. Mr. Antonio Lopez Escarre

 

President Herzog receiving the credentials of Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Ms María Cristina Cevallos Calero

 

President Herzog receiving the credentials of Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Ms .Maria Solomou

 

President Isaac Herzog received  on Wednesday , 5 February 2025,  the diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel: Ambassador of El Salvador, Héctor Enrique Celarié Landaverde, Ambassador of Ecuador, María Cristina Cevallos Calero, Ambassador of Costa Rica, Antonio Ignacio López Escarré, and Ambassador of Greece, Maria Solomou.

In his meetings, the President stressed the imperative of returning the hostages, and noted the importance of the meeting last night between Prime Minister Netanyahu, and US President Trump.

He said: ““I want to say a few words regarding the very important and productive meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. It was a very important meeting. It is a beautiful expression of the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel and Israel and the United States, and it's a beautiful expression of the deep commitment and affection of President Trump to the State of Israel and its well being and security.

“I think that the fact that both leaders discussed the hostage deal and the need to complete the deal, especially the commitment of President Trump to bringing all our hostages back home is a very important statement. We must do whatever we can to bring our hostages back home until the last one returns home. It is the most important topic in our national psyche, and I hope and pray we will see more and more hostages returning home as soon as possible.

“Their discussion was also very important as it relates to the further inclusion of Israel in the region. And I hope to be able to see many more Arab countries join the circle of peace with Israel in our region, making a historic change. This has to be coupled with the fact that we must block Iran and its terrible plans and its heinous activities through its proxies all throughout the region, against Israel and against Jews all over the world.

“I truly hope that the positive outcome of this very important meeting will be felt in our region and in Israel and in the world at large in the very near future.”

  

Photo credit: Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)

 

 

On Tuesday evening, 4 February 2025 at the Carlton in Tel Aviv, the Honorary Consuls of El Salvador in Israel, Mr. Yossi Abadi and Dr. Menashe Rosenfeld hosted a cocktail reception welcoming El Salvador's newly appointed Ambassador to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Hector Enrique Celarie Landaverde.

The evening's Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Raphael Escoboza welcomed everyone present and began by stating that it is an honour to gather here tonight in this beautiful venue to welcome His Excellency, the new El Salvadoran Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mr. Celarie Landaverde. This evening celebrated friendship, diplomacy and the strong ties between our nations. Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, El Salvador has undergone a remarkable transformation, strengthening its economy, enhancing security and embracing innovation. His forward thinking governance has positioned the country as a rising global power establishing partnerships with key actors in the international agenda.

Dr. Menashe Rosenfeld, Honorary Consul of El Salvador in Israel was the first speaker of the evening. His address was brief, saying that El Salvador has become safe, innovative, has many business opportunities and concluded by stating that he strongly hopes that Israel will soon reopen an Embassy in El Salvador.

He was followed by El Salvador's second Honorary Consul in Israel, Mr. Yossi Abadi who "paralyzed" the guests with his eloquence and finesse by saying that it is truly wonderful to see all of you here this evening and expressing the fact that the event is symbolic of the deep friendship between two nations - small in size but immense in heart. He warmly welcomed H.E. Mr. Celarie Landaverde "home" who will elevate El Salvador and Israel's diplomatic relationship to new heights. The strength of a nation is no longer defined by the size of its army but a country's greatness is defined by its ideas, values and technological advancements in which Israel and El Salvador have much in common. El Salvador experienced one of its most historic transformations in years from being the most violent country by having the murder capital of the world to becoming the safest country in the Western Hemisphere. El Salvador captured global attention a few years ago by electing a young president in jeans and a baseball cap. It then shocked the world by becoming the first nation to adopt Bitcoin. Today it has become an example of how to build functional institutions, hospitals, and libraries that are a source of national pride. Within two years President Bukele arrested 80 000 terrorists and criminals transforming El Salvador. It took him twelve months to build the largest and most advanced prison in Latin America. He recently offered President Trump the opportunity to outsource part of the U.S. prison system. In the last elections he won with more than 85% of the vote and his party won 54 out of 60 seats in the National Congress without silencing opposition and imprisoning a single journalist. On the El Salvadorian flag the emblem includes three words i.e. God, Union and Liberty being the key to Israel's success as they are to El Salvador's transformation. The country has also recently become a global leader in surf tourism and in 2025 a predicted 4.3 million visitors are due to arrive. It also has become a tax haven and foreign investment has exponentially increased. In the past year I have donated almost 1000 food and supply packages to communities affected by natural disasters as well as dozens of tablets to the National Library and provided scholarships to university students. He concluded by thanking the Ambassador for "keeping the Embassy strong in Israel" and welcoming him back to the Holy Land.

A short movie about El Salvador was shown "wetting the appetites" of everyone present as it exposed the beauty of El Salvador inspiring all to visit.

H.E. Mr. Hector Enrique Celarie Landaverde who served previously as Ambassdor in Israel as well as in Trinidad and Tobago, New York and in The Netherlands started his remards by extending warm greetings on behalf of President Bukele, Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill T. and the Salvadorian people inclding his wife Rosaline. Over the decades our two nations have worked together on many fronts inclusing technology, agriculture, education and cultural exchange which have strengthened not only diplomatic ties but also the development of our respective societies. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the two Honorary Consuls of El Salvador in Israel for organzining this welcoming event in my honour. El Salvador has embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation under the leadership of Presidntb Bukele especially in the areas of security, law and order, economic growth and modernization. The implementation of robust security policies have led to a dramatic decrease in crime rates, restoring peace to communities. After five years we are a completely different country of short distances, perfect waves for surfing, memorable sunsets on the beach or in the mountains with a vast cultural heriatge, the warmth of our people and our gastronomy. By embracing cutting - edge technologies such as blockchain, El Salvador is positioning itself as a global pioneer in finacial inclusion and economic diversification. We look forward to Israel as a key partner in accelarating our progress and aspire to deepen our collaboration in technology transfer, water management and sustainable agriculture. We envision a future where our partnership not only benefits both nations but also serves as a model of international cooperation for sustainable growth. in conclusion he thanked all for their presence and to the Honorary Consuls for organizing this special event.

Mr. Yoram Ray Naor, Consul General of Belize, a senior member of the Ambassdors Club and the Latin American - Israel Chamber of Commerce together with Mr. Ami H. Orkaby, Honorary Consul of Korea and Dean of the Consular Corps presented the Ambassador and his wife with an impressive bouqet of flowers and mentioned a few words of praise.

The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Maya Karmely Sommer, Director of the Mexico and Central America department Israel MFA, Ms.Ruth Amit - Fogel, Honorary Consul of Paraguay, Mr. Stanley Morais, El Al's Dircetor of International Affairs, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israel - Latin American Chamber of Commerce Mr. Gabriel Hayon, Chaiman of the Diplomatic Institute, Mr. Orel Levy, a surfboard artist who includes Jewish themes in his art and works both in Israel and in California, Mr. Yaron Bob, an artist who lives on the border with Gaza, transforming rockets of terror into expressions of peace, beauty and hope for the future and Dr. Beatriz Katz, Director of Gordon Academic College Iberian American Department.

 Diplomacy.co.il expresses its thanks and gratitude to the the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Hector and Mrs.Rosaline Celarie Landaverde, the two El Salvadorian Honorary Consuls, Dr. Menashe Rosenfeld and Mr. Yossi Abadi for an extraordinary evening of Salvadoran hospitality.

 

 Photos Silvia G. Golan

More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan

 
 
 

 


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On Wednesday evening, 22 January 2025, a large and elaborate Chinese New Year reception was hosted by  H..E. Mr. Xiao Junzheng, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the State of Israel at the Hilton hotel, Tel  Aviv. 
 
Two months ago, the Chinese New Year, also referred to as Spring Festival, was inscribed on Unesco's intangible cultural heritage list of humanity. The Chinese New Year inaugurates the spring season and also celebrates family reunions. In China people travel great distances to celebrate the week of New Year with their loved ones. It strengthens family ties reflecting values of harmony between humans and nature. 
 
The ceremony started by the singing of both national anthems i.e. the People's Republic of China and Israel. 
 
An audio visual message by the President of Israel, H.E. Mr. Isaac Herzog was shown on three large screens. In his message he conveyed his pleasure to have accepted the credentials of the People's Republic newly arrived ambassador, H.E. Mr. Xiao Junzheng. He also stated that the forthcoming Chinese New Year is represented by the snake, symbolizing renewal and transformation. The People's Republic of China and Israel has entered its fourth decade of bi - lateral relations, which the incumbent President's father was instrumental in establishing as he was the first Israeli President to visit China. In conclusion, the President stated that due to the People's Republic of China's geopolitical strategic position, it can help to counter global terrorism. 
 
A video was screened and produced by the P.R. of China's official news agency, the Xinhua News Agency. Despite the upheaval experienced in Israel since 7 October 2023, Chinese businesses continued as usual participating in Israel's economic development. China's Hainan Airlines continued flying and Chinese construction workers continued relentlessly showing their dedication. Students from China in Israel, travel enormous distances to be here and return home bringing back their knowledge to China.            
 
Two musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments from the city of Changzhou entertained the guests with two short duos. Their performance was followed by a traditional classical solo dance entitled "The Crystal Waves" accompanied by visual images on the three screens. 
Four musicians from the Israel Philharmonic played "Spring" from Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons, a three movement composition.
A musician from Guzheng played a solo on a traditional Chinese instrument followed by a sumptuous buffet of Chinese dumplings, sirloin, salmon, pasta and vegetables as well as a large selection of deserts followed by coffee and tea. A bar located in the centre of the banquet hall served wines from Yatir, an exclusive winery in the Negev.
 
The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Xiao Jungzeng began his address by wishing Chinese living in Israel as Israeli friends of the Embassy a Happy New Year. In 2024, the 75 anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was celebrated, China's economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory. China's export volume grew to more than 25 trillion yuan and its foreign trade peaked to $ 6.2 trillion marking a 5% increase. Within one year, more than 10 million new energy vehicles have been produced.

Eighty two countries have joined the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative and 119 countries and international organizations have announced their support for the Global Security Initiative. Deeper advances have been made in the high quality Belt and Road cooperation project joined by 155 countries.

China - Israel relations have grown steadily despite challenges. Practical cooperation in various fields have yielded fruitful outcomes bringing benefits to both peoples. 20 000 Chinese workers have remained to work in Israel during the conflict and China's Hainan Airlines are planning to increase its flight frequency. The new Haifa Port and the Tel Aviv Red Line light rail are functioning. The China - Israel Changzhou Innovation Park and the China - Israel Innovation Hub in Shanghai are progressing smoothly which has become a highlight of innovation between our two countries. Chinese electric cars are popular in Israel accounting for almost 70% of the local market. Chinese students, journalists and the Chinese community in Israel work hard at their posts intensifying and improving relations between China and Israel.

In 2025 China will prepare a new five year plan promoting modernization through high quality development, making a greater contribution to world peace and progress. 2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of the World Anti - Fascist War and the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression.

During World War 11, Chinese cities namely Shanghai, Harbin and  Tianjin accomodated a great number of Jewish refugees.

China welcomes the new ceasefire agreement and hostage release from Gaza and firmly hopes that the agreement will be firmly implemented ensuring that Israeli hostages will return home safely and that regional peace and stability will soon be restored.

33 Years of Chinese and Israeli bilateral relations will be celebrated in two days. Since my arrival here almost two months ago, I have met many Israeli people from different sectors as well as spoken to representatives from Chinese companies and communities in Israel. From my interaction I feel a robust resilience, promising future and great potential between us.

The Ambassador concluded by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and the retrospective  countries peace and prosperity.               

Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Xiao Jungzeng welcoming all guests: 
 
The Chinese New Year dinner in the south of the country always includes fish as it symbolizes prosperity. In the north of the country dumplings are served as it represents reunion. The world's longest and most viewed Gala programme is enjoyed by Chinese citizens and shown on New Year's eve.The  custom of giving and receiving red envelopes containing money, primarily to children is practised. Today red envelopes are sent digitally.
 
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Ambassador of China, H.E. Xiao Junzheng and the Embassy staff "Xin Nian Kuai le" and are grateful for their gracious, generous, inimitable and kind hospitality.   
 
 Photos credit Silvia Golan
 More Pics & videos at Facebook  Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G Golan
 
 

 

 

 
On Thursday evening, 30 January 2025, H.E. Ms. Barbara Mestanova, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the State of Israel hosted a reception in honour of her country's 32 anniversary of independence at the Dan, Tel Aviv.
 
Mr. Peter Karpo Prince, P.A. to the Ambassador, Master of Ceremonies, warmly welcomed everyone present followed by the Ambassador's speech. 
 
H.E. Ms. Barbara Mestanova cordially greeted and welcomed all guests to the Slovak Republic's 32 year anniversary celebration which was declared on the 1st of January 1993 after peacefully splitting from Czechoslovakia which was shared with the present Czech Republic. On the eve of the declaration of independence, 93 countries recognized Slovakia statehood including Israel. She expressed her thanks and gratitude to IAI Israel Aerospace Industries . If ever Slovakia had to face hardships, it was nothing in comparison to the hardships Israel experienced during its War of Independence in 1948. She emotionally stated that nothing is more important than bringing each and every hostage home to their families.
 
Representing the State of Israel was H.E. Ms. May Golan, Minister of Social Equality and the Advancement of the Status of Women in Israel. The synergy between her and the Ambassador was palpable as she started her address by expressing her admiration for the Ambassador, finding her a source of inspiration. In these challenging times your presence here today is cherished. She expressed her thanks and gratitude to the Ambassador by thanking her for her support during the challenging times Israel is facing. She paid homage to Guy Khalifa, a dual Slovak - Israeli citizen who was murdered at the Nova festival. The Minister also mentioned that she looks forward to welcoming Slovakia leadership, hopefully in the not too distant future. She also wished Slovakia's Prime Minister, Mr. Robert Fico, who less than a year ago survived an assasination attempt, a speedy and complete recovery. Recently an Air Defence agreement was signed between the two countries, being the most important to date. She referred to the strong bond between Israel and Slovakia and made reference to Slovakia's large Jewish population preceding World War 11. In 2016 the Slovak Republic established a Holocaust Museum and in 2021 a governmental apology was made with reference to the Holocaust. Since bi - latreal relations were established, trade, technology, education and culture has thrived between the two countries. She made mention of the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem, established in 2021 under the directorship of Jabuk Urik. In conclusion, the Minister wished the Slovak Republic peace,stability and economic prosperity for the future.
 
On behalf of the International Book Illustration Fair under the auspices of Unesco held in Bratislava, the Ambassador awarded second prize to Israeli artist, Ms. Maya Shleifer as she was unable to attend the ceremony in 2023 due to restrictions as a result of the worldwide Covid pandemic. 
 
Mr. Jan Bogdan,a cellist from Kosice, Slovakia and a student at the Buchmann Mehta School of Music in Tel Aviv played Bach's Suite number 1 prelude. He is currently preparing to compete in an international Cello competition in the People's Republic of China.
 
A large buffet was served in an adjoining hall, accompanied by an array of dishes from roasted assado, pierogi, sausages, fish, salads, deserts and seasonal fruits.    
 
Diplomacy.co.il warmly congratulates H.E. Ms. Barbara Mestanova and the Embassy staff on the 32nd anniversary of Slovak statehood and for their generous,gracious and warm hospitality.   
 
 
 Photos Silvia G. Golan

More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 


The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the State of Israel, the Israeli President and the Israeli MFA held a reception to celebrate the 75th year of the relationship between Argentina and Israel on Monday 15th December at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , at the city of Jerusalem
 
The event took place in the presence of the President of Israel Mr. Isaac Herzog, the Argentinian Embassador to Israel H.E. Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, the Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar , the Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana and additional ministers and Knesset members
 
Today (16.12) the Argentine Embassy in Israel held an event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mark the 75th anniversary of relations between Israel and Argentina. The event was chaired by the President of the State, Mr. Yitzhak Herzog, the Speaker of the Knesset, Mr. Amir Ohana, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gideon Saar, and the Argentine Ambassador to Israel, Shimon Axel  Wahnish.

The event opened with a reception at which an exhibition by the Argentine artist Oscar Soler was presented, entitled: "Bridges between Buenos Aires and Jerusalem" which presents paintings and drawings of iconic buildings in the two cities. Each of the works of art not only teaches about the unique architecture in each of the cities but also reflects the culture and history of the countries. The exhibition will be displayed in the entrance hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem next month as a sign of the close ties between the two countries that began back in 1949.

Argentina has the largest Jewish community on the South American continent. In Israel, the Argentine community is deeply involved in Israeli society. In recognition of the community's activities in Israel and the committees for relations between peoples, the Ambassador honored four prominent members of the Argentine community in Israel who, through their public work, serve as a bridge between peoples; former Knesset member and economist Mr. Manuel Trachtenberg, Yad Vashem Chairman Mr. Danny Dayan, Mishraide Ms. Tali Grossaus, and soccer player Mr. Marco Wolf.

 
Argentina is the first country in South America to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, and last July, President Millay declared Hamas a terrorist organization. It was recently elected president of the IHRA and is the only country on the continent to be a full member of the organization. Argentina is working with Israel to try to free the dual-citizen abductees in Gaza, including the Bibas family. The event was attended by families of abductees and ransomed captives with Argentine citizenship, who were invited to the stage to call for the rapid release of the 100 abductees held by Hamas.
 
*President of the State Isaac Herzog:* "It is a great honor to celebrate a courageous and beautiful friendship between nations. The ties between us have expanded in many new directions, and there is no doubt that the bridges between us have become stronger than ever under the leadership of my dear friend, President Javier Milley, who, after the brutal massacre of October 7, came to Israel on a visit of solidarity. Now, in Israel, in Argentina, and around the world, we continue to hear the cries of our brothers and sisters, including Argentine citizens, who are still in the tunnels in Gaza. We continue to cry out and demand together that this heinous and ongoing crime against humanity be ended."
 
*Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana:* “Under the leadership of President Milley, the relationship between Israel and Argentina has never been better. I experienced the warmth of friendship just a few months ago, during my visit to Buenos Aires, where I met with President Millay, his cabinet ministers, and my colleague, Speaker of the House of Representatives Martin Menem. In the midst of the traumatic period we are experiencing, Argentina has become the North Star of freedom and a moral conscience that resonates on the world stage, including in its defense of Israel against the hypocrisy of the United Nations. We have come here today to thank President Millay, the Parliament, and the Argentine people for the special bond we share. For seventy-five years, our alliance has not only stood the test of time – it is reaching its peak.”
 
*Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar:* "Unfortunately, we also have a history of shared tragedies, which we are still experiencing today. On October 7, Hamas' brutal terrorist attacks took the lives of many Israeli-Argentine citizens. Among the hostages still held captive by Hamas are Israeli and Argentine citizens. Israel and Argentina stand together on this issue. *Israel is committed to reaching a deal to release the hostages.* I would like to thank President Javier Milley and Foreign Minister Gerardo Vertijn for their commitment to strengthening the friendship between the countries. Under President Milley's leadership, Argentina has entered a new era. We *thank our dear friend, President Milley, for his announcement that he intends to move the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people.* I intend to make every effort to strengthen the ties between our countries. I plan to visit Buenos Aires this coming March, along with a delegation from the private sector. This will be an opportunity to advance our ties to the next level."
 
*Argentine Ambassador to Israel Shimon Axel and Wahnish:* "Argentina has been a partner of Israel for 74 years. Today, as we celebrate 75 years of relations between the countries, under President Javier Millay, Argentina becomes a friend. As part of the close relations between the countries, they are working on a joint agreement that will be a counter to the agreement that the Argentine government signed at the time with Iran. The goal of this agreement is to promote democracy, freedom and fight terrorism. True friends are revealed in moments of crisis. From the first moment of his presidency, President Millay supported Israel's right to defend itself, condemned the brutality of the attack by the Hamas terrorist organization and called for the immediate release of all the kidnapped men and women."
 
 
 
 
Photos credit
Shlomi Amzalem /  GPO
Haim Zach / GPO