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- Written by Eliran Ben Yair & Silvia Golan
On January 16th, 2020, the Embassy of Croatia in Israel launched the Croatian presidency of the Council of European Union and celebrated the 28th anniversary of the international recognition of the independence of the republic of Croatia.
H.E. Mrs. Versela Mrden Korac, the Ambassador of Croatia in Israel and the Ambassadors’ Club of Israel helds a reception to mark the occasion with the Kozahinof family at the “Beresheet Bavli Tower,” the most prestigious residential tower in TLV.
Mr. Emanuele Giaufret, the head of the EU delegation in Israel representing the European Union and Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, President of the Ambassadors’ Club of Israel and former Israeli Ambassador to Denmark, the Council of Europe and UNESCO) were the honored guests . Among the many other distinguished guests of the event were also Mr. Roy Schlesinger (son of Samuel Schlesinger, Honorary Consul of Croatia), Itsik Kamilian, CEO of the Ambassadors Club of Israel (ACI), members of the “Beresheet Bavli Tower” Project such as President and Chairperson Mrs. Nurit Kozahinof, her son Moti Kozahinof, the CEO, Mr. Dan Catarivas, Director General – Foreign Trade and International Relations at the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel head of International Relations at the Federation of Israeli Economic Organizations (FIEO), Mrs. Anna Azari (Deputy Director General Europe Division Israel MFA), Mr. Adi Baruch (Senior Counsel of Government Ministries), Mrs. Tony Levy (Director of Foreign Relations and Innovation at the President's Office), Miran Denac Ph.D. (SVP, head of Israel & APAC operations, TGO) ,representative of the Israeli Police Mr. Moti Meiry (The Yarkon Space Police Security and Licensing Officer), members of the Croatian Embassy in Israel such as: Mrs. Lada Curkovic (first secretary), Goran Vidosrich (Cultural attache), and a variety of distinguished business leaders and diplomats.
The event began with time to mingle as Croatian products that are going to be sold in Israel, including kosher drinks and wine, were served. The formal part of the event started when Ambassador Versela Mrden Korac welcomed the guests on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the International recognition of Croatia and launching the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Israel, noting their motto: “A strong Europe in a World of Challenges” and their will to: “ balance the regional developments, protect the environment by fighting climate change, build stronger transport, energy and digital connectivity, aim for the comprehensive approach to migration and stronger resilience to hybrid and cyber threats, promote European values, advance security and defense cooperation and to improve the European leading role globally.” The ambassador also added that Croatia has a responsibility to its south eastern neighbors in “encouraging reforms and contributing to the sustainable stability in our wider region.” The ambassador mentioned her plans to implement a project with " Yad Vashem ".
Mrs. Korac also thanked to Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, President of the Ambassadors’ Club of Israel for the his initiative and partnering in the organization of the event, to the Kozahinof family for offering to host the event at the glorious “Beresheet Bavli “ compound, Mr. Roy Schlesinger the son of the Honorary Consul Mr. Shmuel Schlesinger, and to Bura Consulting and the Orbico Group for bringing some new Croatian food samples such as Fish, Zigante Truffles and some great kosher wines to Israel.
After this, Mrs. Emanuele Giaufret (head of the EU delegation to Israel ) spoke about his proximity to Croatia, which was the first country he served as a diplomat. He welcomed the new Croatian EU Representation and in his remarks he spoke about the importance of the Holocaust Day and said that: “ the importance of Holocaust Remembrance from the European side with the aim of working against anti-Semitism and not forgetting the past is an important goal that the EU must fulfill.”
Mr. Moti Kozahinof also welcomed the guests who came to the prestigious complex, and especially the ambassadors club of Israel (ACI) and wished Croatia good luck in the new role. The sales manager of the project, Mr. Oved Zangi, added that “We are pleased to host you in the complex of the largest and most prestigious housing project in Israel“.
After the speeches came the delicious part of the event which included tasting of Croatian foods that are going to be sold in Israel. And finally a beautiful cake in honor of the 9th anniversary celebration of the Ambassadors Club of Israel was cut for the guests.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Embassy of Croatia and the Ambassadors Club on the memorable occasion.
Eliran Ben Yair (member of Debate for Peace)
https://debateforpeace.
Photos by Silvia Golan
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- Written by Silvia
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Thailand H.E. Mrs. Pannabha Chandraramya
President Rivlin received diplomatic credentials from the new ambassadors of Gambia, Thailand, El Salvador and Benin as they take up their posts in Israel
President Rivlin to the ambassador of Gambia, the home country of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court:
“The IDF is us, our children and grandchildren, and it is the most moral army in the world."
“Too often, political decisions are taken in international institutions on the basis of a political need to criticize Israel, and not on the facts”
President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Thursday 9 January / 12 Tevet, received diplomatic credentials from the new ambassadors of Gambia, Thailand, El Salvador and Benin as they take up their posts in Israel. As each ambassador arrived, their national anthem and Hatikva was played by the Israel Police Band and they reviewed an IDF honor guard. After presenting their letters of credence and an audience with the president, the ambassadors signed the Beit HaNasi guest book, ending the official ceremony.
The first to present their letters of credence to the president was Ambassador Pannabha Chandraramya of Thailand. The president welcomed her on her arrival in Israel and asked to send his regards to King Rama X. “We have excellent relations in fields such as agriculture, security, trade, tourism and education,” said the president. “The cooperation between Mashav and TIKA, the countries’ respective international development agencies, is bringing great benefit to people throughout South-East Asia. The ambassador thanked the president, saying that she hoped that there would be additional direct flights between Israel and Thailand, increasing the cooperation between the countries in a range of fields, as well as tourism.
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of El Salvador H.E. Mr.Hector Enrique Celarie Landaverde
Hector Enrique Celarie Landaverde, the new ambassador of El Salvador, was next to present his credentials to the president. “We will always remember how your Consul in Geneva, Colonel José Castellanos, saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust,” said the president and noted the possibilities for widening the cooperation in the fields of agriculture, water technology and security.
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Benin H.E. Mrs. Evelyne Togbe-Olory
Ambassador Evelyne Togbe-Olory of Benin, who is resident in Rome, was next to be received by the president. The ambassador thanked the president for his welcome, saying “I have no doubt that when we meet in person, we understand each other better, and that is what I will do in my role as ambassador.”
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Gambia H.E. Mr. Francis Rene Blain of The Gambia
The last ambassador to present his credentials to the president was Francis Rene Blain of The Gambia, the home country of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. In this regard, the president said, “At today’s ceremony, you saw the IDF honor guard, made up of our finest young people. They protect us and our country. The IDF is us, our children and grandchildren; we do not have a professional army. The IDF is the protector of the citizens of the State of Israel, and it is our duty as a state to defend our citizens, just as we yearn for peace with our neighbors.” The president continued, “We instruct our soldiers to be good professionals and to be ethical and human. As ambassador, and especially as an experienced ambassador like you, you able to see the complex security challenges Israel faces. I am sure that you will appreciate the way in which we face these challenges while maintaining high moral standards. The IDF is the most moral army in the world, despite the challenges it faces.”
The president added that he hoped the ambassador’s extensive experience would help him clarify matters to all the current and former officials in The Gambia, including those serving in The Hague. He added, “too often, political decisions are taken in international institutions on the basis of a political need to criticize Israel, and not on the facts. I would be glad if the facts were what guided you, because sometimes a vote has a political significance that does not serve the truth.”
Photo Credit: Koby Gideon (GPO)
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- Written by Steven Aiello
Jamhuri Day came to Israel with the annual celebration hosted by the Embassy of Kenya at the Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv. Diplomats, business and civil society leaders, Kenyans, and friends of the embassy joined the celebration to mark 56 years of the Republic of Kenya.
Jamhuri Day came to Israel with the annual celebration hosted by the Embassy of Kenya at the Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv. Diplomats, business and civil society leaders, Kenyans, and friends of the embassy joined the celebration to mark 56 years of the Republic of Kenya.
The green, red and black of the Kenyan flag adorned the stairs and tables, while large screens showed bright images and videos showcasing Kenya and the Kenya-Israel connection. A large banner highlighted Kenya’s suitability for the 2021-2022 UN Security Council seat.
After hearing the anthems of both countries, H.E. Mr. Samuel Thuita, the ambassador of Kenya to Israel, welcomed the guests and presented his remarks. Ambassador Thuita, in his first Jamhuri Day celebration since arriving in Israel, praised the strong ties between Israel and Kenya. The ambassador noted the historical connection of the two countries, including then Foreign Minister Gold Meir’s visit to Nairobi to establish the first Israeli Embassy in Kenya. Ambassador Thuita also emphasized the Mashav program, through many Kenyans have studied advanced agricultural techniques, health, medicine, and food security in Israel.
Israel’s Minister of Science, Technology and Space, Ofir Akunis, spoke next on behalf of the state of Israel. Minister Akunis noted the rich cooperation between Israel and Kenya in a range of fields such as agriculture, security, trade, health, education, and innovation. The minister quoted Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement “Israel is back in Africa, and Africa is back in Israel” as an indication of Israel’s priorities in bolstering ties with African nations. Kenya’s prominence among them is highlighted by Nentanyahu’s two visits to Kenya in recent years.
Minister Akunis also mentioned the growing commercial relationships, and the role of the private sectors of the two nations. Last year Israel opened a Trade Office at the Israeli Embassy in Kenya to continue facilitating this growth, and Mr. Akunis expressed his hope that there would soon be direct Nairobi-Tel Aviv flights to bring the Israelis and Kenyans closer together.
Minister Akunis concluded his remarks by reiterating congratulations to the people of Kenya, and then Ambassador Thuita and the minister offered a toast to the best wishes of both nations. Following the toast, a lively dance circle began, and the guests were invited to join a lavish dinner.
Among the many distinguished guests in attendance were Ambassador Meron Reuben, chief of state protocol in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; former Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Silvan Shalom; Former Minister of Communications of Israel, Mr. Ayoob Kara; Ambassador of Israel to Kenya, Oded Yosef, Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, President of the Ambassador’s Club; David Freeman, representative of the Bahá’í International Community; Mr. Ephraim Fortis, Founder, President, and CEO of Open Sky ( Kenya Airlines ); Zvi Herman former director of the Center for International Agriculture & Development Corporation; Carina Baum, CEO and founder of Building Bridges; Alain Mendoza, regional manager at the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute, Orly Spagnul, IMTM business development manager, and an Israeli boy named Kenya.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Embassy of Kenya in Israel and offers best wishes for the people of Kenya
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
Photos by Silvia Golan
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- Written by Spokesperson of the President's Office
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Satybaldy Burshakov
President Rivlin received diplomatic credentials from the new ambassadors of Austria, Cambodia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Angola to the State of Israel as they take up their positions
President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Wednesday 18 December / 20 Kislev, received diplomatic credentials from the new ambassadors of Austria, Cambodia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Angola to the State of Israel as they take up their positions, in an official ceremony at Beit HaNasi. As each ambassador arrived, their national anthem was played by the Israel Police Band and they reviewed an IDF honor guard. After presenting their letters of credence and an audience with the president, the ambassadors signed the Beit HaNasi guest book, and Hatikva was played at the end of the ceremony.
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Belarus H.E. Mr. Evgeny Semyonovich Vorobyev
The first to present his credentials to the president was the Ambassador of Belarus, Evgeny Semyonovich Vorobyev. The president welcomed him to Israel and mentioned the many Israeli public figures and artists who were born and grew up in Belarus, and who with more recent immigrants are a living bridge between the two countries today. “We appreciate Belarus’ efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and hope that Belarus will adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism,” said the president. Ambassador Vorobyev thanked the president and said that he hoped to extend the relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Next, Ambassador Satybaldy Burshakov of Kazakhstan presented his credentials. “We will never forget the bravery of the Kazakh people, which gave shelter to thousands of Jews during the Holocaust,” said the president. “Both Israel and Kazakhstan place great value on religious tolerance. At a time when antisemitism is rising around the world, we appreciate all that Kazakhstan is doing to promote inter-religious dialogue,” he added.
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Angola H.E. Mr. Osvaldo dos Santos Varela
The next to arrive at Beit HaNasi was the Ambassador of Angola, Osvaldo dos Santos Varela. The president noted the strong bilateral relations between the two countries, and expressed his hope that they would be reflected in Angola’s voting at the United Nations. The president added, “We are working to deepen our strategic partnership with Africa, including by resuming Israel’s status as an Observer State in the African Union. This a shared interest, which can bring great benefits to the State of Israel and to the nations of Africa,” he added.
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Austria H.E. Dr. Hannah Liko
Dr. Hannah Liko, the Austrian Ambassaador to Israel who was accompanied by her cousin, many members of whose family were victims of the Holocaust, then presented her credentials to the president. “I know you are committed to Israel’s security and to regional stability, including sending soldiers to UN peace keeping forces,” said the president. “We therefore, ask you to take steps in the EU and UN against Iranian and Hezbollah terror in the region.”
Referring to the rise of anti-Semtism in Europe, the president said, “We are concerned by the rise of anti-Semitism in the corridors of power throughout Europe, including Austria. I look forward to seeing your president next month at the ceremony at Yad Vashem, where we will call to fight antisemitism wherever it appears.”
The ambassador thanked the president, saying “Our responsibility for Nazi crimes will always be a significant part of our relations. We honor the victims and fight anti-Semitism in all its forms.” She also added that she was glad the relations between the two countries are strong and developing further. “Over 200,000 Israelis visited Austria this year,” she said, adding with a smile, “and of course we are proud that an Austrian is the coach of your national soccer team and that we have two Israeli soccer players in our premier league.”
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Cambodia H.E. Mr. Khoun Phon Rattanak
Ambassador Khoun Phon Rattanak of Cambodia was the last to present his credentials. “Israel and Cambodia enjoy good relations,” said the president at the beginning of his remarks. “Many Cambodian students and farmers come to Israel to participate in agricultural training, and we are very interested in increasing Israel’s partnership with all of the ACMECS countries in fields such as agriculture, health, cyber and innovation,” he said.
The Cambodian ambassador thanked the president for his words, saying, “I bring best regards from the King and Prime Minister. It is a true honor to be ambassador here, a land rich in culture and history. On behalf of the Cambodian people, we express our appreciation for your kind support for our agricultural sector which is leading us to impressive achievements. We look forward to working together on health to help our rural communities.”
Photo credits: Mark Neiman (GPO)
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- Written by George Prajza and David Goland
The Republic of Kazakhstan is celebrating its independence day this week. His Excellency Satybaldy Burshakov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Israel and his wife Mrs. Maira Karakeshova held a lavish gala evening in honor of this special day at Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv.
The evening opened with the sound of the national anthems of the two countries filled the air and the crowd stood in silence, respectful of both nations, Kazakhstan and Israel.
Ambassador Burshakov greeted and welcomed his guests to the celebratory evening. In his address to his guests, the Ambassador recounted how Kazakhstan and Israel enjoy excellent bilateral relations, further strengthened following the fruitful official visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Kazakhstan in 2016 and meeting of the Joint Trade and Economic Commission in Jerusalem in 2017 led by Minister Elkin. H.E. Ambassador Burshakov made a commitment as new Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Israel, to do his utmost to promote a successful agenda. The Ambassador noted that Israel is the tenth largest trading partner of Kazakhstan among Asian partners.
Ambassador Burshakov remarked: "We invite our Israeli partners to intensify cooperation with Kazakhstan in innovation development, new technologies, medical exchanges, to invest in the agricultural sector, water supplying infrastructure and many other areas.
Today the Israeli citizens enjoy the visa-free regime to travel to Kazakhstan, introduced since 2017 by unilaterally by the Kazakh Government. Our experts now working on a draft agreement which might also allow in the future for Kazakh citizens to visit Israel without visas. To open direct flights between the two countries another important task of our agenda. Thus we have a lot to offer both to tourists and business.
Next year Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan will host 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation and will celebrate, also with the participation of Kazakh Embassies, 175 Anniversary of the great poet and thinker Abai Kunanbayev, as well as 1150 Anniversary of world-known philosopher Al-Farabi. Our Israelian partners are invited to join us in these milestone events; Other important aspect of our ties include Olim – Jewish community originated from Kazakhstan, who remain our compatriots by their spirit and strong bridge to the bilateral cooperation"... In conclusion the Ambassador added " We are ready for more close coordination with Israeli partners for improving the legal framework of economic cooperation, promoting economic diplomacy, attracting foreign investment, supporting mutual trade, interacting with international institutions of economics and finance, increasing tourist attractiveness, etc.
Toda Raba."
Israeli Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Minister of Environmental Protection Zeev Elkin responded in a congenial manner which reflected the good relationship between Israel and Kazakhstan. He reflected that Israel can never forget the people of Kazakhstan for having provided shelter and salvation to Jews fleeing the horrors of World War II. His remarks spoke to the present-day reputation that Kazakhstan has as a nation of particular religious tolerance. He emphasized that both countries have developed friendly relations with each other and cooperation over many areas
The assembled guests were a cross-section of the diplomatic, political and business communities within Israel. There was a large delegation of ambassadors from many countries from around the world. Israeli Minister Yoav Galant, and Member of Knesset Konstantin (Yoel) Razvozov were distinguished guests. Their Excellencies Ran Ichay, Israel Mey-Ami, Eliyahu Tasman and Mikhail Brodsky who in different years held the office of the Ambassador of Israel to Kazakhstan, honored the occasion with their presence. Dan Catarivas Director-General of foreign trade and international relations for the Manufacturers' Association of Israel, former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert, Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, President of the Ambassador’s Club; and Yair Stern Director of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra were also among the influential guests, as well as many diplomats, several military attaches and member of the clergy, most notable the Patriarch of Jerusalem
Food and beverages were plentiful with delicious schnitzels and beef served with traditional side dishes and salads. Sumptuous desserts were offered through the conclusion of the evening and were paired with an assortment of coffees and teas. The guests lingered and enjoyed the congenial conversation.
www.diplomacy.co.il extends best wishes to the Embassy of Kazakhstan on the occasion of its National Day
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
