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- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
Angola Celebrates 40 years of Independence.
Independence for any country is the diamond in the crown. Angola gained independence after 500 years of colonial occupation, followed by 14 years of civil war. The relief, the incentive, the independence are a fabulous reward.
Last Sunday evening the Angolan Ambassador to Israel, his Excellency Feliciano Antonio dos Santos and his wife hosted a charming celebration of the 40 years of Angolan independence, at Tel Aviv’s Dan Panorama Hotel ballroom. Ambassadors and Diplomats graced the event, together with the cream of Israel’s business and social community. Among the Ambassadors who honored Angola with their presence were their excellences from The Philippines, South Africa, Japan, Ghana, Zambia, in addition to His Excellency Raphael Singer, Israel’s Ambassador to Angola, who came to be here for the event, and more.
A delicious and generous dinner preceded the formal events, which began with a rendition of the national anthems of Angola and Israel. Then His Excellency Ambassador dos Santos addressed the gathering, welcoming the guests and thanking them for attending. He pointed out that: “The Angolan people, led by President José Eduardo dos Santos, are building a new Angola. It is this Angola that you can see in the photographs displayed here and the video being screened at this event.” Angola is the second major oil producer on the African continent and the fifth largest producer of diamonds in the world, so the current drop in oil prices has not done Angola any good, to say the least.
His Excellency continued: “The spectacular socio-economic growth of Angola, the most visible aspect of which is the construction of thousands of kilometers of roads, railways, new airports, new cities, hospitals and schools, accompanied by a promising national plan of executive training programs, has obviously had the participation of companies and businessmen from friendly countries, such as Israel. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Israeli companies and businessmen who operate projects in Angola, some of whom are present here with us today.” He mentioned the importance of cooperation by investors and added: “Your Excellency, Mrs. Gila Gamliel [representing the State of Israel at the event], allow me to stress my country's satisfaction with the excellent state of our bilateral cooperation and to express my wish to see it strengthened even further.”
The Ambassador stressed his country’s contribution to the United Nations, and its standpoint regarding peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, leading to a: “…peaceful and lasting solution based on two states, living side by side in peace and security.” He ended his address by reaffirming Angola’s commitment to see the process of peace negotiations resumed between the government of the State of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority.
Knesset Member Gila Gamliel responded on behalf of the State of Israel and its people. She warmly congratulated the Government and the people of Angola on the occasion of the country’s 40th anniversary. She added that the two countries have had a firm relationship for over 20 years, including diplomatic ties and cooperation in business, agriculture, water and energy. “We also see Angola as a partner in culture, the arts and education, with the goal of enhancing our people-to-people relations.” Ms. Gamliel noted the importance that Israel attaches to Angola’s UN positions, and expressed the hope that Angola would use its influence to help Israel regain its status as an Observer State in the African Union.
But she also spared no words when mentioning the radical Islamic terror that had recently raised its ugly head, not only in Israel, but now in Paris too. Her harsh criticism of the way some nations have responded to terror against Israel reflected the embodiment of Israel’s disappointment.
MK Gamliel ended her address by asking the Ambassador to convey “hearty warm wishes of the Government and people of Israel to the Government and people of Angola. We wish Angola peace, stability and prosperity … and good relations and friendship between the State of Israel and the Republic of Angola”.
A beautiful cake with the Angolan flag was cut by the two dignitaries, after sharing a glass of champagne and drinking to one another’s health.
Photos att Angola Embassy
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Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr.Nestor Alejandro Rosa Navarro , Ambassador of Uruguay to Israel.
President Rivlin to Russian Ambassador: “Without security, we will never be able to move the process forward.”
President Reuven Rivlin received, during a ceremony this morning (Monday) at his residence, the diplomatic credentials of the new ambassadors to Israel from Uruguay, Russia, Slovenia, El Salvador, and Albania.
First to present his credentials was new Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Nestor Alejandro Rosa Navarro. The President welcomed him and said, “The relationship between Uruguay and the Zionist movement goes back over 100 years. And we appreciate that Uruguay was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel.” He added, “We also appreciate greatly the firm stand Uruguay has taken against the violence and incitement against Israel.”
Ambassador Navarro responded by thanking the President and said, “The warm relationship between our two people has a long history, and we are committed to working to deepen the good relations between us through economic and cultural cooperation.”
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr.Alexander Petrovich Shein , Ambassador of Russia to Israel.
The Ambassador of Russia H.E. Mr. Alexander Petrovich Shein was next to present his diplomatic credentials to the President. President Rivlin began, “I want to express my deepest sympathies to the families of those who perished in the plane disaster in the Sinai. Our thoughts with their families and all the Russian people at this time.” He went on to add, “We live in a small world, where an event in one region can affect the world. We understand Russia’s strategic concerns, while we need to be aware of all that is going on around us. The name of the game is security - without security, we will never be able to move the process forward.”
Russian Ambassador Shein thanked the President for his welcome and noted, “President Putin sees Israel as a very important partner in the Middle East, and Russia is keen to widen our bilateral relations with Israel – there is much potential for cooperation in the areas of hi-tech, culture, agriculture, and more.”
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mrs.Barbara Susnik , Ambassador of Slovenia to Israel.
Following, Ambassador of Slovenia H.E. MS. Barbara Susnik presented her diplomatic credentials to the President, who congratulated her on her appointment and said, “We greatly appreciate the good relations between our countries, and we are proud to have been among the first nations to recognize Slovenia’s independence.”
Ambassador Susnik expressed her condolences over the passing of Fifth President of Israel Yitzhak Navon, and spoke with the President about the historic and significant friendship between Israel and Slovenia.
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Werner Matias Romero Guerra, Ambassador of El Salvador to Israel.
Next, Ambassador of El Salvador H.E. MR. Werner Matias Romero Guerra, presented his diplomatic credentials, and said, “Throughout the years, Israel has been by our side, through good and bad times. It is a great honor for me to represent my country in Israel, and work to strengthen our bilateral ties in many fields.”
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E DR. Bardhyl Canaj , Ambassador of Albania to Israel.
Finally, Ambassador of Albania, H.E. DR. Bardhyl Canaj presented his diplomatic credentials to the President and invited the him to visit Albania, noting that the President was “well known in Albania and the media followed his activities and statements closely.” The President thanked him for the invitation, and wished him much success in his new role.
Photo Kobi Gideon /GPO
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President Rivlin hosts New Year's reception for leaders of Israel's Christian communities
President Reuven Rivlin this morning (Tuesday), hosted the traditional, annual reception for leaders of Israel's Christian community leaders to mark the civil New Year. The event was attended by nine heads of various churches in Israel, and senior members of the community.
The President welcomed those attending and said, "Over the past months, we have been greatly concerned, by the on-going religious persecution and restrictions on freedom of worship for minorities in the Middle East. Because of their faith hundreds of thousands are being exiled, forcibly converted, attacked, and brutally murdered. This is a war against extremism. A war, being waged against those who want to spread a message of freedom of worship and coexistence, by those who carry the flag of destruction and hatred.
"This is a cause of great worry and pain for all us. We share the Psalms of King David, the words of the Prophets, and a love for Jerusalem, and the Holy Land. As we know, we are all created in the image of God. As the prophet Malachi wrote, "Do we not, all have one Father? Did not one God create us?" We will continue to live together, and build bridges of peace, here, in the land of our fathers.
"May we all, Christians, Muslims, Jews, children of Abraham, together with all those of different faiths, see the fulfillment of the vision of the prophet Isaiah, that "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and no longer learn war." Let 2015 be a year of partnership and friendship. Let it be a year of understanding and mutual respect. I wish you all a peaceful and happy New Year."
Also speaking at the event was Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Theophilos III, he said, "In this season in particular, the world, caught up in the darkness of violence, poverty, persecution and war, looks to us, the communities of the Holy Land for renewed hope and inspiration. Our precise paths as political and religious leaders may be different, but first and foremost, our concern is always our people. In this region, we recognize the diversity of the peoples and understand that the harmonious coexistence of the Abrahamic faiths is essential to the integrity of the Holy Land."
Photo Kobi Gideon GPO
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- Written by Bat-Zion Susskind-Sacks
Celebrating 66 National Day of the People’s Republic of China
The National Day of China is officially commemorated on October 1st. On that day, many large-scaled activities are held nationwide. These include Military Review & Parade at Tiananmen Square. Other activities include flag-raising ceremonies, dance and song shows and fireworks displays.
In Israel, commemorating the event took place at the Tel Aviv Hilton Hotel on September 24th.
At the reception area, the invitees were offered a selection of complementary books and DVD covering a variety of topics. These included Chinese history, Culture, and diplomacy.
The host of Chinese dignitaries that welcome the guests in one of the spacious halls at the hotel included, the Chinese Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Zhan Yongxin, First Secretary Dr. Li Zhongzhou and others.
At the entrance to the event hall, the invitees could enjoy an exhibition of paintings depicting various themes related to the founding of the People’s Republic of China and their victory in WWII.
Traditional Chinese decorations mostly in red were visible all over the hall which was quickly filling up with many guest, many of whom were high ranking officials in the Israeli political echelons. In attendance were Former Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, Ran Cohen President of Israel Asia Chamber of Commerce and former Minister of Industry and Trade. Also seen was Yariv Levin Minister of Tourism, Former Minister of Justice, MK Tzipi Livni , Tal Brody, Goodwill Ambassador and former Captain of Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Team and his wife Tirzah, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs : Ambassador Shlomo Morgan from the Protocol Department and ambassador Raphael Gamzou Deputy Director General Head of the Division for Cultural and Scientific Affairs . The guest of honor was President Reuven Ruvi Rivlin.
The official program commenced with the playing of the National Anthem of China and Hatikvah, respectively.
Following that, the Chinese Ambassador delivered his speech.
He shared China’s strategic vision of comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society, comprehensively deepening reform, promoting the rule of law and enforcing strict party discipline. He went on to state that in order to realize that dream China will carry on reform and opening up. It will continue to secure progress while maintaining stability and keep the economy develop at a reasonable range.
On the diplomatic level, he added, “China will adhere to the diplomatic doctrines of Peace development and cooperation maintain the opening up strategy of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and strive for a harmonious world of lasting Peace and prosperity.
The Ambassador also stressed the sound and steady relationship between China and Israel, the strengthening of political mutual trust and the expanding economic and trade links.”
A short movie featuring members of the Chinese Jewish community who arrived there as refugees from Germany, their contributions and the close relations with members of the Chinese society was presented.
President Rivlin spoke next. He thanked the Ambassador for his warm welcome and likewise stressed the close friendship between the two countries, a friendship reflected in mutual understanding, one that honors and respects the oldest of traditions but produces the modern technology and economic development. “I am especially proud,” the President added, “of the cooperation between our two governments and our peoples on issues such as environment, agriculture, and energy. We will work together for a better and more prosperous future for all our children, for the whole world.”
Both presidents raised a toast to the Jewish New Year and to a promising future of joined efforts of the two countries.
The performance program that followed included a few dances, a Chinese Martial art show and a Tea Show.
A traditional dinner of delectable Chinese dishes was served and brought the evening to an end.
The executive director and staff of www.diplomacy.co.il join in congratulating the government and the people of China on their national day celebrations.
Photos Silvia G Golan
Photo Dancers by Tal Brody
Photo Dancers by Tal Brody
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- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
Right from the start your DIPLOMACY correspondent realized that this would be a special event. The newly-appointed Korean Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Lee Gun-tae, greeted his guests warmly, but without a doubt it was his gracious wife, Mrs. Won-ock Youn, together with the spouses of other high-ranking Korean diplomats on the receiving line, who stole the show in their elegant and outstandingly beautiful national-costume dresses.
The Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv was the chosen setting for the celebration of the Korean National Foundation Day. The colorful elegance of the Korean costumes was showcased against the sophistication of the guests, including the many diplomatic military attaches, Israeli army VIPS and heads of the Israel Police. Guests were treated to fine dinner, where the waiters added to the grace of the evening dressed in dinner dress suits, bowties and all.
Among the many VIPs and diplomatic representatives were MK Yair Shamir, Minister of Agriculture and Rural development, Mr. Ami H. Orkaby, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Eitan Haber, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Ms. Vered Pear Swid, Director General, Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women at the Prime Minister's Office, Asher Ben Artzi of the International Police Association, Superintendent Yonatan Zilberman, Israel Police Diplomatic Coordinator, Avi Uhr, Corporate Sales Manager of Fattal Hotels, and many others from Israel's society and commercial scene.
Ambassador Lee Gun-tae addressed the guests after a beautiful rendition of the Korean and Israeli national anthems. He reminded us that the actual date of the celebration falls in October, but as he – the host – only took up his appointment as the newest Korean ambassador to Israel just a few weeks before, the party was delayed.
The ambassador pointed out the many similarities between Korea and Israel, including that both were established in 1948, and both have become "models of economic development and mature democracy for many developing countries". He mentioned the excellent bi-lateral and economic relations between the two countries, noting too that many Israelis drive Korean cars and enjoy Korean consumer goods in their homes. Korean Air remains the only airline offering direct regular service to Israel from far-off East Asia. In conclusion, His Excellency warmly thanked the guests for attending and helping celebrate the occasion, and proposed a toast to "the long-lasting friendship between the two countries".
MK Yair Shamir responded on behalf of the State of Israel. He opened by extending sincere congratulations to the Republic of Korea and the Ambassador on his new appointment. He too touched on the similarities between the two countries – mentioning that both lacked natural resources and are located in "difficult" geo-political areas – and on the warm and long-lasting bilateral relations ever since diplomatic ties were established in in 1962.
Mr. Shamir generously praised the Republic of Korea for its successes. He also pointed out that Israel had immediately sent humanitarian aid to Korea after the ferry disaster a few years ago, and as an aside, that many Korean tourists visit and enjoy Israel. The Minister said that both Israel and Korea look forward to ever-improving diplomatic and commercial relations. He ended his address by asking the ambassador to extend best wishes from the government and people of Israel, to the Republic of Korea and its people.
The evening was rounded out by an energetic and appealing performance by young Israeli artists – a performance that put new meaning on: "you're only as old as you feel".
Congratulations Korea!
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
