Diplomatic Events

On Thursday evening, 20 November, H.E. Mr. and Mrs. Ly Duc Trung, Ambassador of  the Socialist Republic of VietNam to the State of Israel hosted a farewell reception at the Embassy's Chancery. 

 

Upon arrival guests were welcomed by the Ambassador's P.A., Mr. Nghiem Xuan Hai Dang (Third Secretary). 

 

A diverse buffet of VietNamese dishes were served which included spring rolls, fried seafood, noodles with beef and sandwiches with schnitzel. Desserts consisted of fresh fruit, sweet avocado pudding and assorted cakes followed by VietNamese tea. A selection of wine and soft drinks were also available.   

 

Everyone present was moved by the sincerity expressed in the Ambassador's speech. He started by mentioning his appreciation to Israel's Chief of State Protocol,  H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel and the Foreign Ministry's Director of the Asia and Pacific department,. H.E. Mr. Avi Ezra. Today in Vietnam, Teacher's Day is celebrated and coincidentally two teachers of mine are present, both who personally guided me during my tour in the Holy Land. A small bag used by the ethnic people who live in the northern region of VietNam was presented to H.E. Mr. Avi Ezra, a bag of which can be used as a depository of Israeli wisdom. Masahv, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Agency for International Development Cooperation, is the food of VietNam, many Vietnamese study in Israel and upon their return to VietNam introduce the Mashav model there. In addition to the bag presented to H.E. Mr. Ezra two flags, one Israeli and the other VietNamese, made in VietNam, were also given to him. Recently, the magazine, "Passport News", published an interview with the VietNamese Ambassador, which was presented to Israel's Chief of State Protocol, H.E.. Mr. Gil Haskel. 

 

In addition to flights available from Israel to VietNam, both from the U.A.E. and from Europe, on the 5th of January 2025, Arkia will launch direct flights. Vietnam is moving towards High Tech and I remember from my days as a student in university a Professor mentioning that everyone studying computers will progress. 

 

Mr. Eyal Waldman, Chairman of Waldo Holdings and of Nvidia was given a painting of a buffalo, which in VietNam symbolizes success as VietNam is primarily an agricultural country.

 

H.E. Mr. Avi Ezra responded by stating that it was an honour and privilege to work with the VietNamese Ambassador who served as Dean of the Asian - Pacific Ambassador's forum. He thanked the Ambassador for his extraordinary work and contribution. The world of development in agriculture, high tech and biotech has reached a worth of $ 5 trillion and the direction in which VietNam is moving is creating a dynamic synergy between our two countries. When I asked the Ambassador where you would like to be posted next as Ambassador, he replied that a posting in Israel would be his prefered choice.  After the 7th of October 2023 when we were together in Kibbutz Be'eri I saw how emotionally shaken you were.

 

H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol said that despite him being sick, it was imperative for him to be present at the Ambassador's farewell. I was the first person you met after your arrival in Israel and immediately noticed your uniqueness, every engagement and past interaction with you, great professionalism was always displayed by you. Once you return to VietNam you can impart your knowledge and professionalism to future VietNamese diplomats. Thank you for everything!

 

After the speeches there was a toast of rice wine. 

 

Present were Kosovo's Honorary Consul, Mr. Roy Reznick, the Honorary Consul of Italy for Haifa and the North, Mr. Carlo Gross, the Representative of the Baha'i International Community, Mr and Mrs. David and Tracey Freeman, Mr. Alexander Oberfeld, a lawyer and Ashdod Council member, Mr. Ron Doron the Chairman of the Israel - Asia Chamber of Commerce,  Dr. and Mrs. Khaled Khalifa, Chairman of the Arab Council for Foreign Relations, Mr. Doron Buta, Chairman of Doron Travel, Mr. Nitzan Horowitz, former Minister of Health who currently teaches Health Policy at  the University of Tel Aviv and Beer Sheva, Prof. Benjamin Peretz, Professor Emeritus of Pediatric Dentistry at Tel Aviv University, Mr. Stanley Morais, El Al's Director of International Relations, Mr. Aharon Lipner, CEO of Gem Kosher International Travel and Mr. Ralph Steigard who is head of ASO in Israel, known as the Organization of the Swiss Abroad which has a membership of over one million people.

 

Diplomacy.co.il wishes H.E. Mr. and Mrs. Ly Duc Trung and their baby daughter an abundance of bountiful blessings in all future endeavours and success in his new posting as Deputy Director in the VietNamese Department of Foreign Affairs.