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On the 60th anniversary of the Independence Day of Tanzania, the Ambassador of Tanzania to Israel, Job Daudi Masima, his spouse, Mrs. Yohana Joan Masima, and the members of the Embassy of Tanzania organized Yesterday a reception event at Amphorae Winery in Kerem Maharal.
Prior to the reception, the embassy organized a Golf tournament at Caesarea Golf Club.
Among the guests of honor in the event were the Minister of Regional Cooperation, Issawi Frej, the Ambassadors of Zambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, and more foreign diplomats ; Ambassador, Michael Lotem, Ambassador elect of the state of Israel to Tanzania; Ambassador Gil Haskel, head of protocol and former director of Mashav, representatives of international organizations, the Honorary Consul of the United Republic of Tanzania in Israel, Kasbian Nuriel Chirich; Simon Fisher Advocate Director of " Save a Child 's Heart" Organization,diplomates, tour operators and representatives of the media.
Ambassador Masima, who will soon end his tenure in Israel after 5 productive and successful years, said: "One of the greatest turning points in my career was leaving for Israel as the first Ambassador of Tanzania to Israel.
The most important achievement was becoming the first resident ambassador to Israel".
The Minister of Regional cooperation, Issawi Frej, spoke about the special ties between the countries and the importance of continuing to strengthen them.
He expressed hope that tourism would return as soon as possible and promised during his tenure to further establish ties and bring students from Tanzania to Israel.
The Minister thanked Ambassador Masima for his many activities to cultivate ties between Tanzania and Israel.
The guests then enjoyed the tasty Tanzanian food and the moving music of Greg Rivkin ( Trumpet) and Michael Edelshtein (Guitar)
Located in East Africa, Tanzania boasts 24 National Parks, 28 Game Reserves, 2 Marine Parks, 44 Game Controlled Areas, 4 Ramsar Sites, 33 Wildlife Management Areas.
The country features a breathtaking array of landscapes, including volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, lakes, savannahs, marshlands, rain forests, and more.
Some of the world’s largest lakes, including Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Nyasa, are located within Tanzania’s 945,087 square kilometers.
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of European Union, H.E. Mr. Dimiter Tzantchev
Today, President Isaac Herzog received the credentials of the new ambassadors of the European Union, Switzerland, Rwanda, and Italy upon the assumption of their ambassadorial duties to Israel. The incoming ambassadors were welcomed by the Police Band playing their respective national anthems and an IDF honor guard, after which they presented their letters of credence to the President in the Great Hall of the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. The ambassadors signed the guest book and held a working meeting with the President. At the end of each credentials ceremony, the Israeli national anthem was played.
The first ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation, H.E. Mr. Urs Bucher. President Herzog and the Swiss Ambassador discussed ways to promote Israeli-Swiss collaboration in the fields of science and innovation. President Herzog said: “The relationship with Switzerland is on a very positive path.” The President praised Switzerland's global role as a mediator and requested its support in bringing Israeli MIAs and civilian hostages back from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip.
The second ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Ambassador of the European Union, H.E. Mr. Dimiter Tzantchev, a former deputy foreign minister of Bulgaria, who is returning for his third diplomatic posting in Israel. The President and Ambassador Tzantchev spoke of the importance of advancing Israel-EU cooperation. The President added: “I am a true believer in the partnership with the European Union; I think it’s the natural partnership for Israel.” The President also stressed the importance of convening the EU-Israel Association Council in order to realize the full potential of Israeli-European ties. Ambassador Tzantchev underlined the European Union’s support for normalization agreements between Israel and Arab neighbors, and the President stressed the importance of a tough EU line in negotiations with Iran to stop it from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The third ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Mr. James Gatera. The President thanked the Ambassador for Rwanda’s support for Israel’s accession to the African Union as an observer state. Ambassador Gatera invited Israeli investment in Rwanda, stressing that with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Israeli companies trading from Rwanda will be able to enjoy tariff-free access across the continent.
The fourth ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Ambassador of the Italian Republic, H.E. Mr. Sergio Barbanti. The President and Ambassador Barbanti praised the strength of relations between Italy and Israel and discussed ways to promote matters of importance to both nations. The President also addressed regional affairs and urged Italy to discover economic opportunities in the momentum toward normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
Photos: Kobi Gideon/GPO.
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A meeting of Peace, Independence, and Commemoration: 30 Year Celebration Kazakhstan-Israel Ties.
Thirty years passed so fast, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the independence of Kazakhstan, and with it the Republic’s 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the state of Israel. The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Israel held a commemorative celebration in Rishon Lezion to mark the occasion.
In addition to marking these important anniversaries, the event also commemorated Kazakhstan providing shelter to thousands of Jews during World War II. This included a symbolic tree planting in a tribute of honor, and uncovering of the memorial plaque in the Memorial Park Hasidei Umot Ha’Olam blvd, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Satybaldy Burshkov, opened the event with his memorable speech, telling guests that "Over the past 30 years, we have created a constructive, stable model of mutually beneficial interaction between our countries."
The Ambassador underlined that Jewish people were essential to Kazakhstani society. Further, their contribution to Kazakhstan has helped create a strong bridge of friendship between Israel and Kazakhstan.
The Ambassador expanded on the profound significance of the tree planting:
"Today, we planted these trees, as "young" as my country and as diplomatic relations between our countries, but with the strong will to grow and strengthen."
Mr. Panigar Baibekov, the Consul, told Diplomacy that this is a massive event in importance between the countries; the ceremony shows the excellent relationship between the countries. Also, there is extensive tourism between the countries!
Mr. Maxim Babitski, Deputy Mayor of Rishon Lezion, spoke at the ceremony, announcing that:
"In the near future, Rishon LeZion will start a Sister Cities cooperation, thus bringing two cities together, and God willing, we will be able to learn and teach each other our wonderful heritage."
The Deputy Mayor said that he had the honor of paying contributions to the Kazakh people and the government that gave refuge to over 8,200 Jews from August 1941 to January 1942.
In his words, he marks that this live-saving gesture will be remembered.
The new Ambassador of Israel in Kazakhstan, Edwin Yabo Glusman, for two weeks now, has received government approval to be Kazakhstan's designated Ambassador.
The Ambassador stated that from his brief acquaintance with the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Israel, he understands that this is a highly Israel-friendly nation with thirty years of relations and: "...A very long future of cooperation and development for the two nationalities."
The ceremony itself preserved a strong impression that was sensed through the air by all reputable attendees. Among the distinguished guests were: Mr. David Luxemburg, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Israel; Mr. Gary Koren, Deputy director-general of the Ministry of foreign affairs of Israel; Ms. Olga Gelfand, chairman, member of Coordinating Council of the Compatriots of Russia in Israel. Annette Ben-Shahar, Director of Foreign Relations, Municipality of Rishon Lezion, hosted the ceremony professionally and courteously with her secretary Tali Haziza.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulations the embassy of Kazakhstan on this important occasion, and offers best wishes for future decades of Israel-Kazakhstan relations.
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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President Isaac Herzog receives the credentials of the Ambassador of the United States of America, Thomas R. Nides
Today, President Isaac Herzog received the credentials of the new Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Thomas R. Nides, at an official ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. President Herzog and Ambassador Nides delivered statements to the press and then held a working meeting. The President surprised Ambassador Nides by inviting to the ceremony the principal from his old Hebrew school in Duluth, Minnesota, Elizabeth Aloni.
President Isaac Herzog’s full remarks:
It is a true privilege and honor for me, as President of the State of Israel, to open my home to you, the newly appointed Ambassador of the United States of America, Ambassador Tom Nides.
The People of Israel welcome you with open arms and an open heart. For us, this is a celebration of a shared vision and common values: liberty and equality, freedom, human rights and friendship with our closest ally.
Personally, my family has been engaged and involved with over fourteen successive American presidents. Growing up in the United States, I was strongly influenced by the spirit of the Constitution, by its social diversity and by the great tradition of your democracy.
This is why it is a special pleasure for me to host you, Mr. Ambassador, here in the President’s Residence, to receive your credentials and light the eighth and final Chanukah candle with you.
I have a small surprise for you: in your youth you attended Hebrew and Sunday School in the small Jewish community of Duluth, Minnesota. I have invited the principal of the school, my good friend Elizabeth Elie Aloni, who is sitting right here, to join us today and she remembers you as a young adolescent. You might not remember her, but she remembers you. Tom—this must be where your great Hebrew comes from!
Mr. Ambassador, I must add how touched we were by President Biden’s warm remarks at the Chanukah candle lighting ceremony on Thursday at the White House, as he graciously welcomed Israel’s new Ambassador to the United States, my dear brother, Mike Herzog.
Far beyond the personal connection, this is heartwarming because it is a consistent display of President Biden’s longstanding, genuine friendship with Israel. I take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to President Biden, for his tireless support and his uncompromising commitment to the ironclad relations between Israel and the United States.
An alliance which should always be above partisan politics, enjoying the support of all administrations.
You should know, Mr. Ambassador, that for the people of Israel, this is meaningful beyond measure. I know how deeply you, Ambassador Nides, care about the US-Israel connection and intend to develop and deepen it throughout your term.
Israel very much looks forward to working together in harmony and in full partnership. You are coming to a more hopeful region. The Abraham Accords are a real strategic and regional gamechanger. It is essential that we realize the potential of these historic accords alongside the United States of America.
I was pleased to discuss this with the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, in our warm and friendly phone conversation over the weekend.
Mr. Ambassador, without a doubt the greatest challenge Israel and the Unites States face is the common threat posed by Iran.
We are closely following the international community’s recent negotiations with Iran. Israel will welcome a comprehensive,
diplomatic solution which permanently solves the Iranian nuclear threat.
In the case of a failure to achieve such solution, Israel is keeping all options on the table and it must be said that if the international community does not take a vigorous stance on this issue—Israel will do so. Israel will protect itself.
Ambassador Nides, I thank you so much for joining us today with your son, Max, and I wish you a satisfying, enjoyable and successful stay in Israel together with your excellent team.
I look forward to visiting the United States in the near future and meeting with my good friends President Biden, Vice President Harris and the entire administration, in order to further our common goals and strengthen the historic links between our two great democracies and peoples.
Thank you, good luck, and chag sameach!
Photos Silvia Graciela Golan
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The President of Colombia was received with an official ceremony at the President's Residence in which both nations' anthems were played and the two leaders inspected an IDF honor guard. Afterwards, they holded a diplomatic working meeting and made statements to the press
President Isaac Herzog: “Like Israel, I know that Colombia is concerned about Iran and Hezbollah’s terror cells being established on your border with Venezuela. From many years of experience, it is clear that these forces must be stopped swiftly—if not a minute sooner.”
Today, President Isaac Herzog hosted an official welcoming ceremony for President Iván Duque Márquez of the Republic of Colombia during his state visit in Israel. President Isaac Herzog and President Duque reviewed an Israeli Navy honor guard at the President’s Residence, and the IDF Band played both nations’ anthems. The two leaders held a diplomatic working meeting in which they discussed opportunities for Israel and Colombia to collaborate on environmental technologies and investments to promote green energy and sustainability. Afterwards, they delivered statements to the press.
President Isaac Herzog welcomed President Duque’s leadership on climate issues and advancement of sustainability and environmental technologies and hailed his desire to promote deeper trade ties: “We both want to increase trade between our countries. Therefore, the free trade agreement that you led and was ratified and went into effect in August 2020 marked a welcome high-point in relations between our countries, and I hope that trade will increase and flourish for the benefit of both peoples. Today our countries are partners in each other’s growth: Israeli citizens enjoy Colombian produce, while Colombia enjoys Israeli agricultural technologies.”
President Isaac Herzog welcomed the inauguration of the Colombian trade and innovation office in Jerusalem: “I welcome your inauguration of an innovation office in Jerusalem, the first of its kind outside of Colombia.”
President Isaac Herzog addressed Israeli-Colombian ties in multilateral forums: “I must say that I greatly appreciate your stand in international organizations, standing by Israel’s side in the whole international arena. This is the measure of true friendship. Colombia’s recent admission to the IAEA Board of Governors is a welcome development, and I hope that this important position will enable you to advance a meaningful diplomatic battle against the Iranian nuclear program.”
Finally, President Isaac Herzog addressed the shared terrorist threat: “Like Israel, I know that Colombia is concerned about Iran and Hezbollah’s terror cells being established on your border with Venezuela. From many years of experience, it is clear that these forces must be stopped swiftly—if not a minute sooner.”
President Iván Duque Márquez: “We are at a high point of bilateral relations, expressed in my government’s ratification of a free trade agreement between Israel and Colombia. The importance of this treaty is to attract commerce and investment. We want to triple exports in the next few years. We want to boost connectivity, artificial intelligence, internet of things, agricultural technology and attract more Israeli technology in our country.”
President Duque spoke of the potential for green investments in Colombian carbon credits, saying: “Colombia is a leader in the energy transition in Latin America, in a country that is the second most biodiverse on the planet, with 30% of the territory about to be declared protected by 2022.” He added that Colombia is investing heavily in innovation, saying: “Colombia is on route to become the Silicon Valley of Latin America.”
Joining President Duque’s delegation were senior members of the Colombian cabinet, including: Minister of National Defense Diego Andrés Molano Aponte; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Rodolfo Enrique Zea; Minister of Health and Social Protection, Dr. Fernando Ruiz Gómez; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism María Ximena Lombana Villalba; Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Carlos Eduardo Correa Escaf, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Javier Echeverri Lara.
Tonight, President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog will host a state dinner at the President’s Residence in honor of President Duque.
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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