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On Wednesday evening December 7th, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan held its 31st Independence Day celebration at the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv. The evening was a celebration of Kazakhstan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, with traditional clothing, displays of Kazakhstani cuisine and literature, and a live musical performance by the folklore group “Zhas Star” visiting Israel from Kazakhstan.
H.E. Mr. Satybaldy Burshakov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, opened the evening by presenting the “Zhas Star” group, noting that the group was visiting Israel through the support of the Eurasian Resources Group led by Alexander Mashkevich.
Ambassador Burshakov stressed Kazakhstan’s focus on peaceful cooperation, with Kazakhstan maintaining diplomatic relations with 186 countries. In the face of global challenges, Kazakhstan seeks a “balanced, pragmatic approach”, including recently hosting the 6th Summit of CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia) and the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana.
Moving to the bilateral relations between Israel and Kazakhstan, the ambassador mentioned the many areas of cooperation including “trade, agricultural, medicine”, along with future avenues for expanding cooperation. The ambassador noted 100 joint ventures are operating today. In 2021 investments from Israel amounted to around 40 mln. USD. Memoranda of Understandings between Ministries of Healthcare will boost the cooperation.
Ambassador Burshakov also recalled the historic ties between Kazakhstan and the Jewish people, with Kazakhstan harboring Jewish refugees during World War II, and the contributions of Jewish people to Kazakhstan’s cultural and economic development.
In closing, the ambassador reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to democratic reforms and human rights, and recently re-elected President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s stated goals of promoting a “just state, economy and society”.
Israeli Minister of Tourism Mr. Yoel Razvozov spoke next on behalf of the government of Israel. Minister Razvozov expressed the gratitude towards Kazakhstan and the Kazakhstani people for welcoming Jewish refugees with open arms during the Holocaust. The minister also noted the model Kazakhstan provides for other nations with its peaceful diplomatic approach to multilateral relations. The 9th joint Israeli-Kazakhstani economic summit was held in June in Astana. The minister expressed hope that direct flights between Israel and Kazakhstan would soon be established. Minister Razvozov closed by thanking Ambassador Burshakov for his dedication to bilateral ties, and offering congratulations to President Tokayev on his re-election. Ambassador Burshakov and Minister Razvozov then offered a toast to the best wishes of both nations.
Guests enjoyed a lavish buffet dinner, along with the musical performance by the “Zhas Star” group. There were also anthologies of Contemporary Kazakh literature and poetry for guests to take home, and a display of Kazakhstani goods imported by "Better Choice" BC.
The Zhas Star musical group also performed at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. They will perform at 8 pm on Thursday, December 8 at Beit Yochanan Hall (4 Raziel Street, Netanya) in a performance open to the public titled “Melodies of the Great Steppe”.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance at the independence day celebration were former prime minister of Israel Ehud Olmert; Minister of Tourism Yoel Ravozov; Ambassador Gil Haskel, head of protocol and former director of Mashav; Mikhail Zingerman, Israeli Police Superintendent and Spokesman to the Russian Press (who presented a gift on behalf of the Israel police); David Luxemburg, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Israel; Archbishop Melchisdeck from Jerusalem and Washington, DC; Druze Sheikh Bader Kasem, president of the World Peace Council”; Sheikh Muhammad Sharif Odeh, head of the Ahmadiyya community in Israel; David Freeman, the Jerusalem representative of the Bahá’í International Community; Liliane Haim, Director of the Protocol Department at the MFA; Knesset Member Vladimir Beliak; Neta Briskin-Peleg, director of “Nativ” in the Prime Minister’s Office; Yuval Fuchs, Head of the "EuroAsia" bureau of the MFA; Panigar Baibekov, Consul at the Embassy of Kazakhstan; Prof. Arnon Afek, acting director of Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Center; Dr. Vladimir Mesamed from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Institute of Asian and African Studies; the Ambassadors and Diplomats of Albania, Argentine, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Estonia, India, Japan, Mexico, Moldova, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Zambia, DCMs of Russia, Romania, Latvia, Thailand, USA, as well as representatives of many other countries, business and civil society leaders.
Diplomacy.co.il offers congratulations to the Government, Embassy and people of the Republic of Kazakhstan on this important occasion.
Photos by Silvia Graciela Golan
More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G. Golan
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Steven Aiello
The Embassy of Thailand held its national day celebration on Tuesday, with a festive celebration at the Israel Air Force center in Herzliya.
Guests got to enjoy Thai culture through food and art, while celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.
H.E. Mrs. Pannabha Chandraramya, the ambassador of Thailand, opened the evening by wishing a warm welcome to all of the guests. The ambassador noted that December Fifth is the birthday anniversary of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, the Thai National Day, and Thailand’s Father’s Day, also designated as “World Soil Day”, in recognition of the efforts and dedication of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the field of soil resources development.
The ambassador expressed her happiness at the popularity of Thailand as a tourist destination for Israelis and her hope that Israel would soon establish a reciprocal visa exemption for Thai citizens to visit Israel. The ambassador also paid tribute to the more than 26,000 Thai agricultural workers, and noted appreciation to all agencies concerned for the protection and care given to the Thai workers, while noting the long pending issue of the deposit fund still awaiting implementation. Looking forward, the ambassador expressed optimism about the potential for increased cooperation between the two countries. In closing, Ambassador Chandraramya thanked the friends of Thailand and her colleagues at the Royal Thai Embassy for their hard work to connect the two people.
Minister of Tourism Mr. Yoel Razvozov spoke on behalf of the government of Israel. The minister noted that Thailand has been a true friend of Israel for many decades, with bilateral cooperation covering many fields, such as “security, trade and investment, medicine and education and of course – tourism, with nearly 200,000 Israelis visiting Thailand in 2019 (pre-Covid 19). Minister Razvozov also highlighted the approximately 30,000 citizens from Thailand living and working in Israel.
Following the speeches, the national anthems of both nations were played, and guests were then invited to sample Thai street food, with Delicacies such as Ta Go, Kanom Chan, Kanom Piak Poon, Pad Thai, Beef Isaan Sausage, Sticky Rice and Papaya Salad, as well as Thai beer. They also enjoyed an exhibition of sculptures and crafts from Thailand, while traditional baskets of flowers livened up the tables.
At the place there was an a beautifull exhibition of Sculptures ( please see the photo at FB)
The many distinguished guests included: the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Chief of Protocol Gil Haskel; Michael Ronen - Head of Bureau South East Asia - Pacific Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Major General (Ret) Ambassador Matan Vilnai - President Israel - Asia Israel Chamber of Commerce; Mrs. Liron Urman, General Manager of Israel -Asia Chamber of Commerce; Or Nehushtan, Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce - Business Development Executive International Relations Division Director; Adi Baruch (Senior Counsel of MK Benjamin Netanyahu); Eran Strod, Honorary Vice Consul - Royal Thai Consulate General; Yona Bartal, representative of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation; Gideon Tahler, Chairman of Tal Aviation; Israel World Diamond Exchange president Boaz Moldavski
and many members of the diplomatic corps and military representatives in Israel
The Director and staff of Diplomacy.co.il share their good wishes to the Ambassador, Embassy Staff and to the people of Thailand on this auspicious occasion
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
https://debateforpeace.wordpress.com/
Photos Silvia Golan
More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel and Israel Diplo / Silvia G Golan
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Israel and Japan take first steps toward free trade agreement
PM Lapid: This year, we are also celebrating 70 years of relations between our countries, and this is further proof of their growing strength - diplomatically and economically.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid this morning, (Tuesday, November 22) agreed to a first step toward the signing of a free trade agreement between Israel and Japan.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid:
"This morning in Tokyo, we agreed to take a first step toward the signing of a free trade agreement between Israel and Japan, which means discounts for products and goods from Japan for the benefit of the Israeli market and increasing Israeli exports to Japan, the third-largest economy in the world.
“This year, we are also celebrating 70 years of relations between our countries, and this is further proof of their growing strength - diplomatically and economically.
“This is an important achievement for Israel's economy and Israel's standing in the world."
“This is an important achievement for Israel's economy and Israel's standing in the world."
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"Panama Day" in Israel to strengthen the economic and commercial ties and to encourage investments between Israel and Panama, was held today at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv
Amb. Carmen Gisela Vergara, General Administrator of PROPANAMA: "The Government of Panama is interested in starting conversations on having a direct flight between Israel and Panama, to consolidate Panama's air connectivity as the leader in the region"
The Panama Mission to Israel offers all the benefits and opportunities that Panama has as a country in the field of investments, food production, high technology, and opportunities in the commercial and pharmaceutical sectors
Exciting News regarding the commercial and economic ties between Israel and Panama: today at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv, "Panama Day" was marked to strengthen the economic and commercial ties between the countries and to encourage investments.
Amb. Carmen Gisela Vergara, General Administrator of PROPANAMA (The Export and Investment Promotion Authority of Panama), exposed that "The Government of Panama is interested in starting conversations on having a direct flight between Israel and Panama, to consolidate Panama's air connectivity as the leader in the region". Conda Nast Traveler has chosen Panama as one of the 22 best places to visit in 2022. Being asked about her vision 20 years from now, Amb. Carmen replied that "Panama is moving to green projects. 30% of our land and 30% of our oceans are protected. In 20 years from now, I would like to see green energy anywhere in the country". She added that "Our strategy is to bring investments to Panama and to become a hub for sustainable investments. Panama is sustainable in economic growth and attracts investors. Panama is a great place to establish investments. It is one of the most connected countries in the world with excellent quality of life".
Amb. Carmen emphasized that Panama has 5 of the top 10 ports in the region and the biggest airport in the region with 90 destinations in 39 countries. The Panama Canal and the ports have been operated throughout the pandemic and haven't been closed even for one day. "We also want to promote our gastronomy into the world. In Panama, we have the best coffee in the world and pineapples which are the sweetest in Latin America".
Eli Faskha President of Panama- Israeli Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture said in his detailed presentation that "Cybertech is coming back again to Panama. CYBERTECH LATIN AMERICA will be held on May 17-18, 2023. Cybertech is the cyber industry’s foremost B2B networking platform conducting industry-related events all around the globe. It is a whole-encompassing industry that is not only about threats but also covers the scope of digitalization and opportunities in the realm of innovation.
Faskha: "Panama is the most business oriented country in Central America. A modern and vibrant country. Best air connections in Latin America with low inflation, and a stable economy. It is easy to do business in Panama". As for Jewish life in Panama, Faskha noted that there are 5 synagogues in Panama City. More than 20 kosher restaurants, 3 congregations, and 2 Israeli-owned hotels. The Ambassador of Panama to Israel, Adis Urieta Vega, spoke about the strong relations between the two countries. Panama is interested in becoming a sustainable center for investments and is looking to increase cooperation with the State of Israel in technological and economic fields.
The Panama Mission to Israel offers all the benefits and opportunities that Panama has as a country in the field of investments, food production, high technology, and opportunities in the commercial and pharmaceutical sectors. The whole mission was organized by PROPANAMA, Panama- Israeli Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and with the support of both Embassies, the Israeli Embassy in Panama, and the Panama Embassy in Israel.
During Panama Day, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with the Israel Export Institute to promote trade between the countries. The memorandum of understanding is another strengthening step to the free trade agreement signed between Israel and Panama in January 2020.
Photo credit: Hagit Shalev on behalf of PROPANAMA.
Amb. Carmen Gisela Vergara, General Administrator of PROPANAMA.
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The Turkish Embassy in Israel held a Republic Day reception on Monday evening in honor of the 99th anniversary of the declaration of Turkiye as a republic. This celebration was particularly meaningful coming on the heels of the long Covid-influenced hiatus, as well as signaling the strengthening of Israel-Turkiye bilateral relations.
The evening opened with the playing of the national anthems of Israel and Turkiye by a Turkish-Greek duet. A message from the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. President Erdoğan expressed gratitude to the friends of Turkiye celebrating the important milestone all around the world. The president offered prayers for those who died defending Turkiye throughout the years.
Listing Turkish successes in the last century, President Erdoğan noted that Turkish foreign policy aimed to advance justice, peace and stability in the world, and provides inspiration to people all around the world seeking to escape from oppression. From the war in Syria to addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Turkiye plays a key role in advancing peace and stability in the region.
President Erdoğan explained that Turkiye’s constant striving for success were responsible for things like the largest social housing project in Turkish history, which is set to accommodate 6 million Turkish people. The president stressed the forward thinking nature of Turkiye, with 2053 and 2071 goals, punctuated by the recent production of Turkiye’s first locally produced electric cars. Summing up the emotions of all those celebrating, President Erdoğan concluded with best wishes for health, serenity and well-being for the Republic of Turkiye and its citizens.
Mr. Mehmet F. Sekerci, the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Turkiye, welcomed all of the guests to the occasion on behalf of the embassy. Mr. Sekerci noted the incredible year of achievements in bilateral relations between Israel and Turkiye, including a historic visit by the President of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, following an invitation from President Erdoğan, and the mutual visits of foreign ministers, a meeting between Prime Minister Lapid and President Erdoğan at the UN in NY, and further visits to Turkiye by the Minister of Economy, Minister Ornibai, and the Minister of Defense, Minister Gantz (the first visit by an Israeli defense minister to Turkiye in over a decade). Charge d’Affaires Sekerci explained that the proliferation of high-level visits are the product of the rapidly warming ties between the countries, to be completed with the pending assigning of ambassadors in the respective countries.
Mr. Sekerci noted that beyond the political relationship, Turkiye and Israel maintain robust economic and cultural connections, with Turkiye constituting the 5th largest trade partner for Israel, and Israel representing Turkiye’s 15th largest trade partner, with the total trade volume expected to reach 10 billion USD by the end of the year. Moreover, plans are underway to hold the fifth meeting of Turkish-Israeli joint economic activity, and resume high-level meetings to coordinate energy cooperation.
Turkiye remains a key tourist destination for many Israelis, ranking as the number one spot for flights out of Ben Gurion for three consecutive months, July-September, with an anticipated 750,000 Israelis visiting Turkiye in 2022. Mr. Sekerci concluded his remarks by thanking the Turkish Jewish community for its contributions to Israeli-Turkish relations, and inviting the guests to a photo exhibition entitled “Synagogues of Turkiye” to be opened on November 17 at the Saraya Turkish cultural center in Jaffa.
Minister of Communications, H.E. Mr. Yoaz Hendel, spoke on behalf of the Israeli government. Mr. Hendel expressed appreciation for Turkiye reaching 99 years as a republic, and enthusiasm for the warming ties between the two countries. Mr. Hendel noted the country’s historic ties, as Turkiye was the first Muslim-majority nation to recognize Israel when it was first founded. The minister expressed anticipation of further strengthening the ties between the countries in areas like agriculture, communications, health, tourism, and counterterrorism. The minister concluded his remarks with a toast together with Mr. Sekerci to the success of Turkiye and the flourishing friendship between the two nations. The guests then enjoyed dinner with authentic Doner and other Turkish delicacies.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were the Minister of Communications, H.E. Mr. Yoaz Hendel; Ambassador Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former director of Mashav; the honorary consul of Spain, Mr. Wadie Abu Nassar; the honorary consul of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Dmitry Shkaf; Mr. Matan Safran, the Israeli Economic Attache to Turkiye; Zali de Toledo, former cultural attache of Israel to Turkiye; Amer Saleh, President of the Arab Chamber of Commerce; Georgina Litvak - Corporate Account Manager - Hilton Tel Aviv; Flying Carpet CEO Eyal Kashdan, Izi Madem - Associate and Ceo - Easy Travel LTD, members of the Turkish Jewish community, and numerous diplomats and civil society leaders.
Guests enjoyed the flavors of TurKish traditional cuisine like "Peynirli Boyitas' , "Kus Uzumlu Yaprak Sarma", " Pancor ve Enginarli Camambert Salatasi"
Delicious Ice Scream " Narli Magnum" , Halva " Irmik Helvasi" and " Efes" beer.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the embassy of Turkiye and the people of Turkiye on the 99 year anniversary.
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
https://debateforpeace.wordpress.com/
Photos Silvia Golan
More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel and Israel Diplo / Silvia G Golan
