Russian Federation celebrates Russia Day at the Dan Accadia Herzliya hotel
On June 10th the Embassy of the Russian Federation hosted a celebration on the occasion of Russia Day. Celebrated annually on June 12th, this day commemorates the adoption of the Sovereignty Declaration of Russia in 1990.
The celebration was held in the luxurious gardens of the five star Dan Accadia hotel in Herzliya. The ambassador of the Russian Federation to the state of Israel, H. E. Anatoly Viktorov hosted Israeli and international ambassadors and other diplomats, Israeli officials, businessmen, visitors from Russia, and Israeli-Russian citizens for the celebration.
The main event began with the national anthems of Russia and Israel. The honorary guest was Israel’s Minister of Environmental Protection, Gila Gamliel. Among the many distinguished guests were: Minister of Diaspora Affairs Omer Yankelevich, cabinet secretary of the Israeli government Tzahi Braverman, Knesset members Oded Forer, Evgeny Sova, Yoel Razvozov, Ze'ev Elkin, former Knesset member Leon Litinetsky, Ambassador Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Amir Halevi; Adi Barouh from the Prime Minister’s Office; executive director of the World Jewish Congress Israel section Dr. Laurence Weinbaum, Mrs. Tony Duchev-Levy, Director External Relations Manager of the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT); Moshe Mano Honorary Consul of Russia, representatives of the International Cooperation Unit of the IDF and many others.
Ambassador Viktorov welcomed and thanked all the guests, expressing the importance of Russia Day to the Russian people: “The twelfth of June 1990 became a turning point in the development pattern of our country, marking pivotal changes. The path that has been passed was full of thorns”. The ambassador made remarks on the Israeli-Russian relations: “Israel, with whom we have very good, close ties, is an important partner of Russia in the region. A large number of descendants from the former Soviet Union, who now live in Israel, are a significant factor in Russian-Israeli relations. It is fundamentally important for us that comprehensive solutions to regional problems clearly reflect Israel's legitimate security interests.”
Ambassador Viktorov emphasised that “Russia has had traditionally friendly relations with the Arab world and with Palestinian people as well. Russia is ready, together with all the participants in this process, to work actively and make feasible contribution to the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict… This year marks the 30th anniversary of the renewal of full-fledged diplomatic relations between our countries. On the 18th of October 1991, we started a new chapter in our shared history.”
Minister Gamliel, as the representative of the Israeli government, congratulated Ambassador Viktorov and his wife, President Putin, and the Russian people on the occasion of Russia day. The minister shared information about her close ties with Mikhail Bogdanov, deputy minister of foreign affairs of Russia and the special representative of the president of Russia for the Middle East since 2011. “Moscow and Jerusalem cooperate to combat terrorism and share common understanding on many political issues that pose a challenge on global security today. Dialogues are being made on a routine basis between our most senior levels” said Minister Gamliel.
Also at the event, the embassy showed a photo exhibition of the Russian geographical society in addition to music played by the Impressive Flight Orchestra led by Elena Vinitsky. Traditional Russian food was served alongside products from Russian companies like the Beluga vodka brand.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Russian Embassy and the people of Russia on its national day and offers best wishes for future prosperity and bilateral success.
Photo Silvia G. Golan
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