President Peres began his state visit with a diplomatic work meeting with the President of Mexico
Under the auspices of the two presidents a series of economic and diplomatic cooperation agreements were signed between Israel and Mexico including in the fields of water technology, trade relations, assistance to exporters from both countries, tourism and others
President Nieto to President Peres:
We see in Israel a true friend of Mexico. Today we sign a series of strategic agreements which will expand the relations between Israel and Mexico
President Peres to President Nieto:
"Israel attaches a deep strategic importance to the relations with Mexico in particular and Latin America as a whole"
The President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, began the diplomatic part of his state visit to Mexico today at a welcome reception at the Presidential Palace which included a guard of honor of Mexican soldiers and the playing of the anthems of Israel and Mexico. After the ceremony President Peres and President Enrique Pena Nieto conducted a diplomatic work meeting during which they discussed strengthening the strategic, diplomatic, economic and defense relations between the countries. In particular they focused on the response of Latin America to the Iranian threat and the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. At the end of the meeting the two presidents delivered joint statements to the press and oversaw the signing of a series of diplomatic and economic cooperation agreements.
President Nieto of Mexico thanked President Peres for his visit at the head of a delegation of Israeli companies and said it was a great honor to welcome him and the delegation to Mexico. President Nieto described the visit as a symbol of the strengthening relations between the countries which always shared positive dialogue. He continued and described the signing of the deals as the beginning of deeper economic cooperation between the countries. The Mexican president addressed the diplomatic meeting and said that the two presidents had discussed the major challenges faced by the two countries. He ended by saying that Mexico saw in Israel a true friend.
President Peres thanked President Nieto for his warm welcome and warm words and said, "I want to thank you for the warm reception and for our friendly and constructive conversation. I am impressed by your vision to move Mexico into the new age. The reforms initiated by your administration have been inspired and inspiring. Israel shares a deep friendship with Mexico. But also a common vision, based on our mutual values, and a strive towards a bright future. Your call to "Mover a Mexico" also fits the Middle East which can fly to new heights. Like Mexico, Israel strives to be a contributing member of our region. Israel is interested in seeing a prosperous and stable Middle East. We have reopened the peace negotiations with our Palestinian neighbors in the hope to achieve a peace agreement based on the two state solution. Two states for two peoples, living side by side in peace and security. Peace is possible and urgent. There is no alternative for us and no alternative for the Palestinians. Peace is not just a strategic decision but a moral call from the depth of our heritage. We appreciate Mexico's support for our efforts towards peace. Ending the conflict will only serve to benefit us and the Palestinians."
President Peres addressed the large business delegation travelling with him and said, "I have come to Mexico with a delegation of 80 heads of Israeli companies. These entrepreneurs have spearheaded the most modern and cutting-edge technologies which Israel has developed. They have come to further strengthen the important relations with Mexico. To learn from you and share our experience."
President Peres ended by inviting President Nieto to visit Israel, "On behalf of the people of the State of Israel, I want to extend an invitation to you to visit Israel. I will be delighted to receive you as an honorable guest and a true friend of the State of Israel.
Photo Credit: Mark Neiman/GPO
