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FM Cohen met with dozens of foreign ambassadors whose citizens are being held by Hamas in Gaza: The release of the abductees is our foremost priority.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen is joined by 22 ambassadors and diplomats from countries whose citizens have been abducted to the Gaza Strip in a call for the immediate release of the abductees and to allow visits by the Red Cross.
FM Cohen: "Hamas’ crimes are unforgivable. The kidnapping of civilians, including babies, children, women and Holocaust survivors, is against every international law and every human norm.
“We will do everything in our power to release the abductees, regardless of their citizenship.
“In cooperation with the other countries whose citizens are missing, we will be able to exert significant international pressure on the Hamas terrorist organization for the return of all the abductees.
“We demand that the international organizations and the Red Cross visit the abductees to verify their condition and the conditions in which they are being held.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen met today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with dozens of foreign ambassadors from countries whose citizens were abducted by Hamas and asked their cooperation in pressuring Hamas for their swift release.
The ambassadors and diplomats were from Tanzania, Russia, Romania, Portugal, Peru, Serbia, Colombia, Austria, Ethiopia, Argentina, Philippines, Georgia, Sri Lanka, France, Mexico, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Thailand, Canada, the Netherlands, Poland and the European Union.
FM Cohen meeting with foreign diplomats. Phtoto: MFA Spokesperson's Office.
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On Wednesday, September 20th, 2023, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Israel, held a celebration for the 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the People 's Republic of China at the Hilton Hotel in Tel-Aviv. Upon registration, guests received lapel pins of the Chinese and Israeli flags, and after being greeted by the Ambassador and his wife, they entered an international Pictures exhibition called “An Extraordinary Decade of China in the New Era.”
At the ball room, guests gathered and enjoyed a wide selection of Hors d'oeuvres on small plates, traditional Chinese food and desserts, and a variety of beverages. At the center of the ballroom a stage was set with decoration of traditional flowers, China and Israel flags on the sides, and a yellow background with titles in Chinese and English “Celebrating the 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China” and the Embassy’s title below. In addition, two giantantic LED screens displayed video pieces of Esther Hui, who performed at the event, pieces of the Chinese Ballet, and videos showing the scenery and terrains of the Chinese republic.
The ceremony started with a solo performance of the Chinese singer Esther Hui ( HaHui - Asaph) , who was joined by the Israeli musician Yair Levi for an exciting duet of the song “Rafa Na.” After the live performances of the two national anthems, the President of the State of Israel, H.E Isaac Herzog, delivered a recorded speech.
The President started by offering his warmest congratulations to the Chinese Embassy in Israel,to President Xi (Shee) Jinping, and to the entire Chinese people for the joyful occasion of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China. He elaborated the elements the two nations share in common; both are bonded by a direct link to ancient civilizations that have made deep and enduring contributions to humanity, and both have proud histories that continue to fuel the nations’ success as modern nation states.
In this fashion, the President mentioned that the establishment of the People’s Republic of China 74 years ago has led to remarkable growth and development for modern China, helping drive innovation, progress and prosperity, domestically and globally. Naturally, he continued, Israel attaches great value to the strong diplomatic relations between the countries.
Mr. Herzog recalled that his father, Israel’s sixth president Chaim Herzog, talked about his official state visit to China in December of 1992, just as China and Israel had established diplomatic relations. He shared that his dad was so struck by the deep points of connection that bind the two ancient and magnificent nations; by the enormity of what China was accomplishing; and by the potential for relationship between the two nations.
The President said that the two nations have a thriving and singular partnership, grounded in mutual regard, ongoing high-level diplomatic dialogue, strong people-to-people exchange, and economic collaborations.
He specified the China-Israel Joint Committee, which has deepened the ability to leverage the striking ingenuity of both nations, and to deepen the bilateral ties. Mr. Herzog expressed his satisfaction that it will shortly be convening for the sixth time.
The President thanked Ambassador Cai Run for helping steward the excellent relations toward their full potential and shared his anticipation of their continued growth. Mr. Herzog concluded by sending his best wishes to the People’s Republic of China with hope for a year of peace, goodwill, prosperity and success.
President Herzog's speech was followed by the Ambassador of China Mr. Cai Run's formal remarks. He began by thanking President Herzog's friendly and kind words and extended warmest welcome and gratitude to friends from all sectors who have long been caring for China's development and supporting China-Israel friendship.
Over the past 74 years, as the Ambassador mentioned, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has united and led the Chinese people in forging ahead persistently, in holding the future of the nation firmly in their hands, and in successfully blazing a path to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Facts have proved that the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is not only right and viable, but also steady and solid.
The Ambassador mentioned that China has implemented the people-centered development philosophy, and developed the world's biggest systems of education, social security and healthcare, improving people's life in all aspects and making advances in pursuing common prosperity. China's economy, as he explained, has entered a new stage of high-quality development with accelerated efforts to increase self-reliance in science and technology, building China into a country of innovators.
Guided by the philosophy that clean waters and green mountains are just as valuable as gold and silver, China has taken solid steps towards green, circular and low-carbon development. Despite the complex and severe international environment, in the first half of this year, China's GDP grew by 5.5% year-on-year, the biggest growth rate of all major economies in the world. It demonstrates the strong resilience of the Chinese economy. The fundamentals of China's long-term economic growth have not changed.
Over the past 74 years as the Ambassador stated, China adhered to the path of peaceful development and has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and an upholder of the international order. China is committed to win-win cooperation and fostering a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind, as reflected by the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. Such initiatives offer Chinese solutions and undertake China's responsibility for human development and progress.
The Ambassador mentioned that China has contributed more than 30% to world economic growth for more than ten consecutive years. As this year marks its 10th anniversary, the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held in Beijing soon. The "Belt and Road" initiative is becoming "a belt of prosperity" and "road to happiness", benefiting people across the world.
“Belt and Road”, the Ambassador explained, contains elements that are common to the modernization processes of all countries, but it is more characterized by features that are unique to the Chinese context. Chinese modernization is the modernization of a huge population, of common prosperity for all, of material and cultural-ethical advancement, of harmony between humanity and nature, and of peaceful development.
The Chinese future is bright, the Ambassador stated, but added that there is still a long way to go in building a modern socialist country in all respects. China is committed to its fundamental national policy of opening up while pursuing mutually beneficial, high-standard opening up. China will draw development momentum from the world's openness and cooperation, and will continue to provide new opportunities and greater benefits for all countries with our new development.
Focusing on the relations with Israel, which were established 30 years ago, The Ambassador shared how they have kept a sound momentum. He shared that President Xi Jimping and President Isaac Herzog stay in close communication and have reached important consensus on the China-Israel relationship, providing strategic guidance for its development. The Chinese practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful outcomes, benefiting both countries and peoples. China, as the Ambassador showed, has become Israel's largest trading partner in Asia and second largest in the world, as well as Israel's largest source of imported goods.
The Ambassador then elaborated on how Chinese companies participate in Israel's infrastructure construction. Projects like the Haifa New Port and Tel Aviv Red Line Light Rail are now in operation, making contributions to Israel's economic and social development. The China-Israel Changzhou Innovation Park and Shanghai Innovation Hub, jointly established by the two sides, continue to make progress. Innovation cooperation has become a highlight and driving force in our bilateral relations.
The Ambassador also mentioned the quick resumption of people-to-people exchanges after the pandemic. He pointed out the direct flights from Chinese cities including Shanghai Beijing and Shenzhen to Tel Aviv, the outbound group tour to Israel, and the growing number of sister cities between the two countries which now stand on 29 pairs.
The Ambassador concluded that with complementary strengths and driven by strong internal dynamics, China-Israel cooperation delivers benefits to both sides and demonstrates huge potentials and broad prospects. The Ambassador expressed the Chinese willingness to work with the Israeli friends to act on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two nations and jointly create a better future for China-Israel relations.
Next spear was Haim Katz, Israel’s Minister of Tourism, who spoke on behalf of the Israeli government and on behalf of Yitzhak Goldknopf, who serves as Israel’s Minister of Housing and Construction. Katz mentioned that the good relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect and appreciation, frequent high-level political dialogue, economic cooperation that doubled in the past decade, deeper ties between universities and through cultural exchanges and tourism.
The Minister spoke about the fact that both China and Israel are two ancient peoples connected by culture and history through ancient languages and the ancient Silk Road. Relations with China are based on Israeli recognition of China's importance in the international arena, of being a large market for Israeli products, and its influence on the world economy. Katz shared his belief that it is important that both countries will invest in the future generation so that young people from both countries will recognize the advantages that exist in each of the two countries.
He added that it is also very important to return the same pre- Corona volume of direct flights and even more. Katz suggested that it will help the joint ambition to significantly increase the number of tourists from China, to return to levels of over 160,000 tourists per year and much more. He mentioned the successful roadshow of Israeli and Chinese travel agents to promote mutual tourism in four cities in China.
The Minister thanked the Chinese ambassador for his help in adding Israel to the list of approved countries for group tourism a few weeks ago and for the increasing number of Chinese tourists. Katz concluded his remarks by inviting the Chinese Minister of Tourism to the outgoing tourism fair in February 2024 and wished all the Chinese people happiness and success.
Among the distinguished guests were Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affair; Rafael Harpaz, Deputy Director General of the Asia Pacific Department of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Michael Ronen, Head of Bureau South East Asia - Pacific Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Yoel Razvozov former Israel Minister of Tourism; Adi Baruch, Senior Counsel of MK Benjamin Netanyahu; Editor - in - Chief , The Jerusalem Post, Avi Mayer ;Asher Ben Artzi, Chief Superintendent (ret.) and the Ret, Director of Interpol at Israel Police; Yona Bartal, representative of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation; Andrea Yip Zidkilov from the Andrea Yip Consulting Group and many Ambassadors, others diplomatics, military and business leaders.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Embassy , Government and People of China on the National Day, and offers best wishes for the continued success and growth of the ties between China and Israel.
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On Thursday, September 14th, 2023, the Embassy of Slovakia held a celebration of the Day of Constitution of the Slovak Republic on the beautiful roof-top of Rothschild 1 tower in Tel-Aviv. The guests were greeted by the Slovakian ambassador on the background of a beautiful banner showing the scenery of Slovakia, and enjoyed Hors d'oeuvres that were served together with traditional Slovakian beverages.
The ceremonial part started with the anthems of Slovakia and Israel, followed by a speech by the Slovakian ambassador, who started by thanking the guests for joining the celebration, marking 30 years anniversary of the republic and the relations with Israel.
According to him, an important milestone in this period was 2004, When Slovakia joined the European Union and NATO. It made Slovakia an integral part of the European community and the Trans- Atlantic family, sharing common values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and rule of law.
The Ambassador commented that unfortunately, this dream has been denied to Ukraine by the aggressive Russian invasion, and that Slovakia continues its support of the Ukrainian people in their fights for sovereignty, freedom and peace.
The Ambassador continued with congratulating Israel on its 75 years anniversary and the dynamic and bilateral relations with Slovakia, as reflected by the partnership between the two parliaments. He also elaborated on the recent high-profile visits to Israel and Slovakia, which have strengthen the dialogue and have improved the relations between the two countries: in March the Prime-Minister of Slovakia visited Israel, followed by the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs participation at GlobSec forum in Bratislava, and a recent visit of The President of Israel in Slovakia the week before.
The Ambassador emphasized the strong dialogue between the two countries, which doesn’t rely on politics only but also on economy, tech, innovation, science, education, military, and tourism. Another component of the dialogue is social, as reflected by the opening of the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem in 2021, which now has a branch at the embassy in Tel Aviv.
The Ambassador also mentioned that this year marks two years anniversary of the Abraham Accords, which have transformed the region significantly, and that Slovakia is committed to the Middle East peace process.
The Ambassador concluded by thanking the guests again and congratulated Shana nova Umetuka, happy new Jewish year, as Rosh-Hashanah was celebrated the day after.
Next speech was delivered by the guest of honor Rabbi Yizhak Shapira, who spoke on behalf of the Slovak parliament. Rabbi Shapiro shared that standing here today, just before Rosh-Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is an emotional moment for him as his sentiments to the Slovak republic and Israel are both very strong.
He mentioned that his roots are going five generations back, when his great grandfather Chatam Sofer established a long rabbinical dynasty, which has prevailed through World War 2 till this day in Jerusalem. Rabbi Shapira expressed the deep commitment of the Slovak leadership to Jewish history. It is reflected, as he elaborated, by the frequent meetings he holds with ambassadors, diplomats, ministers and prime-ministers, and by the government- supported organization he established- ESJF, which preserves and protects 12,000 abandoned Jewish cemeteries.
The Rabbi also delivered a message from the President of Israel His Excellency Yizhak Herzog, who visited Slovakia the week before, asserting that the relationship has always been very good, and that his recent visit has even “contributed to the relationship a few steps forward”.
Rabbi Shapira mentioned that in light of the upcoming holiday, it is appropriate to pray for God almighty and to point out that despite the challenging national dispute in Israel nowadays, the nation will overcome it. He added that it is time to pray for an internal peace as well as peace with our neighbors and around the world. Rabbi Shapira concluded with “God bless the world, God bless Israel, and God bless Slovakia. Shana nova Umetuka, Gmar Chatima Tova, and a year of peace and unity to Israel and Slovakia.
The ceremony was concluded with a speech by Ms. Erika Shpitz. Ms. Shpitz noted that Hitachdut Yotzei Czechoslovakia, The Association of Czechoslovakian Expatriates in Israel maintains and has always maintained warm contact with the representatives of the Czechoslovak Embassy in the past, and in the wake of the separation - with both embassies.
She shared her satisfaction of using the library in the Embassy, as well as the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem, which presents special exhibitions of contemporary art. Ms. Shpitz thanked the ambassador and his team for visiting the northern branch in Haifa, and mentioned the student exchange programs between the two countries especially in the fields of medicine and veterinary.
Ms, Spitz mentioned the Memorial for Czechoslovak victims of the holocaust earlier this year at the Yaar Hakdoshim, and expressed her hope to gather at the Slovak Forest in the future.
Among the distinguished guests were: Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Jakub Urik, the director of the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem ; Mr. Daniel Meron, Deputy Director General; Mr. Joe Pickel. Honorary Consul Slovakia, Israel Slovakia Chamber of CommerceI; World Diamond Exchange president Boaz Moldavski and his wife Ayala; Ariel Goldshtein - Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff at the Prime Minister Office; and many foreign Ambassadors, militars, business leaders and members of the Slovak community in Israel
The Staff of www.diplomacy.co.il congratulates the government, people, and Embassy of Slovak Republic on the occasion of their National & Army Day
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On Tuesday, September 19th, 2023, the Embassy of Nepal in Israel held a celebration of Nepal Constitution Day in Herzliya. Upon arrival, guests greeted by the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, H.E. Ms. Kanta Rizal standing in front of a beautiful banner showing some of Nepal’s highest mountain peaks decorated with traditional flowers. Before the ceremony, guests enjoying Hors d'oeuvres on small tables covered by red table cloths, with small Nepal and Israel flags on top.
After a brief introduction by Mr. Arjun Ghimire, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy, the national anthems were playing and a Nepalese traditional candle lighting ceremony was held, followed by a promotion video of the country which showed some of the faces and views of the beautiful Nepal and its people.
First speaker was Mr. Nadav Ben-Yehuda, who serves as a Senior Advisor to the Embassy and the Chairman of Israel-Nepal Chamber of Commerce. In his speech, Ben-Yehuda engaged the audience with the trivia question of who was the first to reach Everest's peak? As Ben-Yehuda shared, on 29 May 1953, Sir Edmund Percival Hillary KG and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest and that we can learn that we should never do missions like this alone.
For the question of who added 2 feet to the 29,000 height, that was Radhanath Sikdar who was an Indian mathematician best known for calculating the height of Mount Everest. Ben- Yehuda continurted by sharing his personal climbing experience in Nepal, specifically Mount Annapurna, and perhaps breaking the record of the highest chess game ever being played.
The speech was followed by a beautiful traditional Maruni dance by two female dancers wearing traditional Nepalese customs. Ambassador Rizal then began her formal remarks by sharing that she is deeply honored and privileged to welcome the guests and that this day marks the anniversary of a new constitution, which was promulgated via Constitution Assembly on the 20th September 2015. On this day, the entire nation celebrates this day with the full spirit of unity.
The Ambassador elaborated that the new constitution embraces the principles of republicanism, federalism, secularism and inclusiveness, and that it frames the fundamental political principles, procedures and duties of the government and guarantees the human rights of its citizens.
Considering Nepal’s diverse culture and traditions, which vary from one region of the nation to another, the constitution has recognized all the local languages spoken within Nepal as national languages. In this fashion, since Nepal enjoys a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions blended to form a national identity, the Ambassador explained that the Nepalese celebrate a wide variety of festivals that turn later to family gatherings.
Nepal is the country with many of the religious sites for the Hindus, Buddhists and Kirats, some of them has been regarded as the world heritages sites. Despite that, as the Ambassador stressed, Nepal has adopted religious secularism by the new constitution.
Then, the Ambassador focused on the relationship between Nepal and Israel, established in 1960. She said that despite the topographic and climate variations, hosting the highest and the lowest points on the earth respectively, Nepal and Israel share a unique bond and a lot of similarities in actions.
It started when Nepal, an ancient country nestled between two great Asian civilizations ,and Israel, a newly established country in the Middle East with ancient history, decided to establish diplomatic ties that turned out to be a milestone in international relations of both countries and people.
It continued with Israel’s support to train and educate Nepali farmers how to use new technology to boost agriculture production, and with Israel’s remarkable assistance during the devastating 2015’s earthquake in Nepal, through Israel’s assistance to Nepal during Covid-19 pandemic.
Till date, Nepal is well loved by Israelis and vice versa with deep respect for eternal faith and trust between the two countries that doubtless go beyond time. Thus, The Ambassador thanked and expressed gratitude on behalf of Nepal for all hands of cooperation provided by Israel for the development of Nepal.
The Ambassador concluded by expressing confidence that in the days ahead the bilateral relations will grow stronger. She thanked the Minister and the Excellency Ambassadors, Senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, fellow Nepali compatriots and other distinguished guests for joining the celebration.
Next speaker was Israel’s Minister of Diaspora and the fight against anti-Semitism and Minister of Social Equality Mr. Amichai Shikli, who shared how pleased and honored he is to represent the government and the people of Israel in congratulating the government and the people of Nepal on the occasion of its Constitution Day.
He mentioned that Nepal was the first country in South Asia to recognize the State of Israel and to establish diplomatic relations with it, followed by the first visit of its Prime Minister, B.P. Koirala, who met with then Israeli Prime Minister, David Ben- Gurion, in the Summer of 1960.
Just two years ago it was the 60 years anniversary of strong diplomatic relations between the two countries consisting of fruitful cooperation across many areas such as agriculture, health, education, tourism, security and humanitarian aid.
The minister elaborated on MASHAV, and participation in the "Learn & Earn" agricultural training program which has already successfully trained some three thousand "graduates" that have since returned to Nepal equipped with unprecedented knowledge and experience in modern Israeli farming technology.
He also mentioned hundreds and thousands of Israelis have come to Nepal to volunteer in programs for the development of Nepal and some simply as tourists to partake in treks throughout this phenomenal country, forming strong connections with local Nepalese. He predicted that 2023 may break the record for the highest number of Israeli tourists visiting Nepal.
Similar to Ambassador Rizal, Minister Shikli also mentioned the assistance Israel provided to Nepal after the terrible earthquake and during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also appreciated and admired the care-giving services generously offered by Nepalese citizens to elderly population here in Israel, and that they are being welcomed to Israeli society with the same warmth and caring that they provide our elderly population.
Ironically, as the Minister noted, Nepal and Israel are also connected through geographically opposite extremes – Nepal is of course famous for having the highest mountain in the world, Everest, and Israel, for its part, is famous for having the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea.
Last, Minister Shikli mentioned the Nepalese football player who joined the Israeli women's team known as SAMBA. He concluded his remarks with warm wishes for a future of peace, stability and economic prosperity and that the friendship between the countries will grow ever stronger as each day goes by.
Following the wine toasting by the Ambassador and the Minister, the guests enjoyed the traditional dishes, with the ambience of festive lights and decorations.
Among the distinguished guests were Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affair; Rafael Harpaz, Deputy Director General of the Asia Pacific Department of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ilan Nir, Honorary Consul of Nepal; Stephen Abrahams of the Ministry of National Infrastructures Energy and Water Resources; Ariel Goldshtein, Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff at the Prime Minister Office; and many foreign Ambassadors, militars, business leaders and members of the Nepal community in Israel.
The Staff of www.diplomacy.co.il congratulates the government, people, and Embassy of Nepal on the occasion of their Constitution Day. ! NAMASTE !
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Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Fe'ni Kouakou
President Isaac Herzog today (Tuesday) received the diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel from Côte d'Ivoire, Peru, Cyprus, United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Brazil, in a series of official ceremonies at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.
Upon their arrival, each ambassador was welcomed by an IDF honor guard and the playing of the national anthem of their country. After presenting their diplomatic credentials, the President met with each ambassador and their delegation, after which they signed the official guest book. Each ceremony was then concluded by the playing of Israel’s national anthem, “HaTikva”.
First to present his diplomatic credentials to the President this morning, was the incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Fe'ni Kouakou. During their conversation, the President said: “The relations between our countries are excellent and we have built historic cooperation that stems from the love of the Bible, the love of humanity, and the pursuit of peace. I hope that together we can advance the relations between our countries”.
The Ambassador extended an invitation on behalf of the President of Côte d'Ivoire for President Herzog to visit his country.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Peru, H.E. Mr. Manuel Cacho Sousa Velazquez
Second to present his diplomatic credentials to the President was Ambassador of Peru, Manuel Sousa Velazquez. The President welcomed him and said: “My three sons enjoyed traveling in your country. I had a good conversation with your President last week, and I wish you great success in your position.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Kornelios S. Korneliou
President Herzog then received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of Cyprus, Kornelios S. Korneliou. The President spoke with the Ambassador about the ongoing efforts to expand cooperation in the field of energy, and sent his warm greetings to the President of Cyprus. He also noted that the strategic relations between Israel and Cyprus were an example for the region.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the United Kingdom, H.E. Mr. Simon Christopher Walters
Later, the incoming Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Simon Walters, presented his diplomatic credentials to the President. The President welcomed him and said: “Britain has an important standing in the Middle East. There are many areas for our governments to discuss – chief among them the issue of Iran.”
The Ambassador emphasized: “Iran is not only a threat to the Middle East, but a threat to the entire world. The British Government's position regarding Iran has been very firm.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of France, H.E. Mr. Frederic Journes
Next, the new Ambassador of France, Frederic Journes, presented his diplomatic credentials to the President. The President emphasized: “The challenges facing our country, among them Hezbollah's activity in Lebanon and Iran's refusal to cooperate with IAEA inspectors, must be a red alert for your government.”
The President said, “I had the pleasure of receiving New Year (Rosh Hashanah) greetings from your President – please convey to him my sincere thanks. There is a deep and historical connection between our countries and peoples,” and recalled, “my late great grandfather was the Chief Rabbi of Paris.”
The Ambassador noted: “The relationship between our countries is like no other. It is an intellectual and strategic friendship.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Ireland , H.E. Mrs. Sonya McGuinness
He was followed by the incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland, Sonya McGuinness, who presented her diplomatic credentials to the President. President Herzog congratulated the Ambassador and said: “Ireland and Irish culture are deeply respected in Israel, and you can do much to promote relations between our peoples.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Frederico Salomao Duque Estrada Meyer
Last to present his diplomatic credentials today, was the new Ambassador of Brazil, Frederico Meyer. The President noted: “Brazil is a popular and beloved country among the Israeli public.” He added, “We would be happy to host your leadership in Israel and assist in promoting trade and diplomatic relations between our countries.”
Photo credits: Haim Zach (GPO)
