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Written by Silvia G. Golan & Steven Aiello

Published: 09 September 2022

On Wednesday evening the Embassy of Brazil hosted a reception in honor of the 200 year anniversary of Brazil’s independence. The evening punctuated a week-long festival held at Tel Aviv port’s Hangar 11 as part of Casa Brasil, organized in conjunction with ApexBrasil. The guests at the gala were invited to taste Brazilian delicacies and hear live music, while enjoying an exclusive viewing of the expo of Brazilian imported goods as part of the Casa Brasil.

Ambassador Gerson Menandro Garcia de Freitas opened the evening, noting Brazil’s successes and achievements since gaining independence from Portugal in 1822. Today Brazil is one of the five largest countries in the world by size and population, and among the 10 largest economies in the world. The ambassador noted Brazil’s role in producing food for a billion people around the world, as well as a clean energy producer. Highlighting Brazil’s diversity and integration of citizens of different backgrounds, the ambassador observed that 400,000 Brazilians have Jewish ancestry.

Looking at Brazil-Israel relations, the ambassador announced that 2022 was a record year, with bilateral trade at 189% compared to 2021. Brazilian students attend all major Israeli universities, and the countries cooperate on a range of areas such as: Education, Culture, Science, Innovation, Agricultural Technology, Water Management, Health Technology, Defense, Space, and Cybersecurity. 

Among the important milestones the ambassador highlighted were: 80 years since Brazil’s declaration of war against the Nazis, with an expeditionary force of 25,000 soldiers sent to fight; 75 years since the 1947 UN General Assembly session, presided over by Brazilian Ambassador Oswaldo Aranha, “which approved the partition plan that led to the creation of the State of Israel”; and one year since Brazil joined the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The ambassador also recognized Brazil’s Righteous Among the Nations, including diplomats Madam Aracy Guimarães Rosa and Ambassador of Brazil to France Souza Dantas. He concluded his remarks by pointing out that despite many differences, Brazil and Israel share key similarities which bond the two nations.

Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz spoke on behalf of the government of Israel. Minister Horowitz reiterated the importance of Brazil in Israel’s history, shepherding the key vote at the UN General Assembly in 1947. The minister thanked Brazil for providing consistent political support in multilateral forums, such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, and for opening a trade office in Jerusalem. The minister noted that with elections coming in both countries, he was confident that regardless of who was in power in each country, the bilateral relations between the two nations, resting on such a firm bedrock of support and respect, would continue to grow.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were: Israeli Foreign Ministry's Chief of Protocol Gil Haskel; Jonathan Peled, Deputy Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean; Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv (and Brazilian native) Reuven Roberto Ladianski; Chief operating officer- Israel office Apex - Brasil, Felipe Martins Campbell; composer and musician Matti Caspi; award-winning Capoeira trainer Miki Chayat; actress Nitza Shaul and husband, orchestra conductor and musician Doron Salomon; Brazilian singer Elisete; Hernan Felman, vice chairman of KKL-JNF; of Stanley Morais, El Al Acting Director of International Affairs; radio broadcaster Dubi Lenz; Father Tomasz Grysa from the Vatican; Father Sostenies; Gabriel Hayon - President of the Diplomatic Institute; Stephen Abrahams from the Ministry of National Infrastructures Energy and Water Resources; Dr. Ori Preuss from Tel Aviv University, and literary translator Michal Shalev.

The Staff of www.diplomacy.co.il  congratulates the government, people, and Embassy of Brazil on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Brazilian Independence and the 73d anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Israel.

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Written by Spokesperson of the President's Office

Published: 09 August 2022

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of  Germany, H.E. Mr. Steffen Seibert

Tuesday, 9 August 2022 / 12 Av 5782

President Isaac Herzog received the credentials today of the new ambassadors of Germany, Vietnam, and Nepal upon the assumption of their diplomatic duties in Israel. The incoming ambassadors were welcomed by the IDF Band playing their respective national anthems and they inspected an IDF honor guard, after which they presented their letters of credence to the President in the Great Hall of the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. The President held an audience with each ambassador, after which the ambassadors signed the guest book. At the end of each ceremony, the Israeli national anthem was played.

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Ly Duc Trung

The first ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, H.E. Ly Duc Trung, who has previously served as Vietnam's deputy ambassador to Spain and as a deputy director-general in the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Vietnamese ambassador arrived wearing cerulean-colored national dress, which was especially designed for today’s ceremony. The President and the Vietnamese ambassador discussed their nations’ histories, as Israel and Vietnam prepare to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations. The President expressed his desire to expand Israeli-Vietnamese collaboration in the fields of trade, agriculture, innovation and more.

The second ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Steffen Seibert, who most recently served as the German Federal Government’s spokesman under Chancellor Angela Merkel. President Herzog praised the positive direction of Israeli-German relations, noting the many visits by German leaders to Israel over the past year. The President noted the deep significance of the arrival of a new German ambassador in the Jewish state, adding that while both nations must always remember the past, they must also look toward the future together. After the ceremony, President Herzog and the First Lady showed the ambassador and his wife the artwork in the Great Hall, pointing out the ceiling mural panels by Holocaust-survivor Naftali Bezem, which tell the story of the artist’s family’s escape from Nazi Germany. 

 Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Nepal, H.E. Kanta Rizal

The third and final ambassador to present her letter of credence was the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, H.E. Kanta Rizal. The Nepalese ambassador arrived wearing a traditional sari and greeted the President with rehearsed remarks in Hebrew, saying that she hoped to work together with him to strengthen and develop the friendly relations between Israel and Nepal. The President expressed his hopes to expand Israeli-Nepalese cooperation, with an emphasis on agriculture, tourism, innovation, and more. At the end, the Nepalese ambassador extended an invitation to President Herzog to visit Nepal.

Photos: Haim Zach/GPO

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Written by Silvia G. Golan & Steven Aiello

Published: 02 September 2022

The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan celebrated 31 years of Uzbekistan’s independence and the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatics Relations between Uzbekistan and Israel , marking the occasion with a party at the Dan Accadia hotel in Herzliya. Guests enjoyed live music and dance performances, along with traditional Uzbekistani cuisine, as they commemorated the national milestone, and the growing bilateral ties between Israel and Uzbekistan.

H.E. Ambassador Feruza Mahmudova opened the festivities by noting Uzbekistan’s rich history and cultural heritage, as well as its growth and development in the 31 years since achieving independence. 

Ambassador Makhmudova stressed Uzbekistan’s dedication to a foreign policy that is “constructive” and friendly to all nations, striving for global peace and cooperation. This year the countries marked the 30th anniversary of Israel-Uzbekistan ties, an important milestone. The ambassador noted the contribution of many friends and supporters of both countries, in advancing the strong bilateral cooperation.

Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov spoke on behalf of the state of Israel. Minister Razvozov offered warm congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan on the important milestones. The minister noted Uzbekistan’s heritage of religious tolerance, and thanked the people of Uzbekistan for protecting Jews during the Holocaust.  

Minister Razvozov cited his own visit to Uzbekistan, in May 2022, as an example of the strong and growing ties during the two countries. As part of the visit, Minister Razvozov signed a bilateral memorandum with the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage Aziz Abdukhakimov.  The minister thanked President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the government of Uzbekistan for their support and expressed hope that Israel would receive a delegation from Uzbekistan as well. He closed by emphasizing the commitment of the state of Israel to further strengthening the ties and cooperation between Israel and Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Makhmudova had several important announcements to make. First she welcomed the first honorary consul of Uzbekistan in Israel, Sara Zvi, a longstanding friend and supporter of Israel-Uzbekistan ties. Then the ambassador called up Professor Eduard Yakubov, President of the Holon Institute of Technology, to receive a special award. Prof. Eduard Yakubov was awarded the commemorative badge titled “O’zbekiston Respublikasi Mustaqilligining 30 yilligi” (30th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan) which was established in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The commemorative badges were presented to people singled out as special contributors to development and international standing of Uzbekistan.

From Monday, September 5th, through Sunday September 11th, Uzbekistan will host the “Days of Science & Technology Israel-Uzbekistan” academic forum, with events held in three cities around Uzbekistan. The Holon Institute of Technology is one of the cosponsors, and President Yakubov will lead a delegation of academics to the conference as well.

Following the formal ceremony, guests enjoyed traditional Uzbekistan delicacies, along with live musical performances. Talented dancers performed lively, traditional dances, giving a flavor of the rich Uzbekistani culture to the delighted guests.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were: the Israel Foreign Ministry's Chief of Protocol Gil Haskel, Eyal Siso, Deputy Director - General Consular Affairs Division Israel MFA, Dan Catarivas, Director of the division of Foreign Trade and International Relations at the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel; the new Uzbekistan Honorary Consul Mrs. Sari Zvi; Professor Eduard Yakubov, President and CEO of the Holon Institute of Technology; Mrs. Tony Duchev Levy, lecturer and External relations, HIT President’s Office Chief coordinator; JNF-KKL Head of EuroAsia region-Yasinov Igal;  Ron Doron, President of the Israel-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, and Adam Schalimtzek, Director of the Division of International Relations at the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection.

 www.diplomacy.co.il congratulates the embassy and people of Uzbekistan on Independence day, and 30 years of strong bilateral ties with Israel.

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Written by Greer Fay Cashman / Jerusalem Post

Published: 21 July 2022

Colombian Ambassador Margarita E. Manjarrez Herrera, though a career diplomat, is also a lawyer by profession. Last year, she hosted her country's National Day reception at her elegant residence in Kfar Shmaryahu, but in the interim she has collected many more friends and acquaintances, and therefore moved the celebration to the Tel Aviv Hilton.  In addition to the usual speeches on such occasions, the event included musical presentations and amazing Salsa dancers from the Ensálsate Company.  No-one enjoyed them more than the ambassador herself, who danced and sang along on the floor while the two extraordinarily flexible dancers performed on stage to shouts of 'Bravo!" from the spectators, many of who also began to dance.

Representing the Government was Health Minister and outgoing Meretz chairman Nitzan Horowitz, who was in extremely high spirits, as if a weight had fallen from his shoulders.

The occasion was in celebration of the 212^th anniversary of Colombian Independence and the 65^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Colombia and Israel. Though Colombia had recognized Israel as early as 1949., it was only in 1956 that Israel sent  Tuvia Arazi as her first ambassador to Colombia whereas Colombia's first ambassador to Israel Jose  Maria Franco Ortega presented his credentials to President Yitzhak Ben Zvi in 1958.

Although cooperation and exchanges between the two countries exist on many levels, the ambassador confined herself to three areas: Climate change and energy transition; tourism; and diplomacy, culture and peace which Manjarrez Herrera believes are inter-related.

The greatest and most urgent challenge for humanity today is confronting climate change, she said, underscoring that it will be a priority for Colombia's new president Gustavo Petro who will take office on August 7.

On the subject of tourism, she said that following the pandemic, steps had been taken to reactivate tourism, and in 2021, incoming foreign tourists increased by 38%, which was higher than the average for all of South America.  This year, Colombia also participated for the first time in the International Mediterranean Tourism Fair in Tel Aviv.

Even though Colombia opened its embassy in Tel Aviv in 1957, it was not until 2013 that a President of Colombia paid a state visit to Israel.

During that visit by President Juan Manuel Santos, that Colombia's Minister of Commerce , Industry and Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MASHAV, Israel's Agency  for International Development and Cooperation. Colombia and Israel also signed a joint declaration to conclude their negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement.  The FTA was signed three months later and implemented in August 2020.

In addition to the practical aspects of the diplomatic relationship, such as agriculture, education, defense, trade, investment, and innovation, said the ambassador, she always thought that it is culture that nourishes mutual knowledge and dialogue

For this reason, the embassy launched Colombia in Israel– A Look Through Art, an 80-page brochure, in both printed and digital versions, in Spanish, English and Hebrew.  The brochure highlights Colombian art in Israel, as an essential element of its diplomacy and, as a window through which the Israeli public can approach Colombian culture and identity.

The connection between the two countries has grown, said Horowitz, noting that this was in large measure due to the courage and commitment of former President Ivan Duque , whom he commended for his courage in opening the Colombian Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Jerusalem last November.

Horowitz also mentioned the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement, and on the purely diplomatic front, also expressed thanks to Colombia for its support at the United Nations its adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, and for sending its soldiers to be part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai.

In reference to the numerous Colombians who have graduated from a variety of MASHAV training programs, Horowitz said that MASHAV considers Colombia to be a high priority country.

In congratulating Petro and wishing him success, Horowitz quipped that Colombia like Israel is standing before a change of Government.  At the same time, he did not forget to thank Duque for his friendship and support.

When it came to the toasts, the ambassador invited  the Foreign Ministry's Chief of Protocol Gil Haskel, who is a former director of MASHAV, and  Jonathan Peled the Ministry's Deputy Director General  for Latin America  and the Caribbean, to join her and Horowitz on stage.

Article writed by Greer Fay Cashman / Jerusalem Post

The Staff of www.diplomacy.co.il  congratulates the government, people, and Embassy of Colombia on the occasion of the  212th anniversary of Colombian Independence and the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Colombia and Israel.

Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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