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On May 25th, Africa and the rest of the world is commemorating “Africa Day”, which puts an emphasis on African unity and the connection to Africans throughout the world.

 

The honorable  Ambassador of Kenya, His Excellency Lt. General Augostino S.K. Njoroge (Rtd.), hosted in his house in Kfar- Shmariahu, Ambassadors and Head of Missions of  Angola, Cameroon, Congo DRC, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

 

On behalf of the Israeli Government, came the Minister of Defense, Mr. Moshe Yaalon, to greet the honorable guests. Also came to greet representatives and mission heads of countries from Asia and Europe, among them the Ambassadors of Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Latvia, Serbia, Sweden, Poland and guests from Israel and abroad. The dress code was Business Suit and National Dress.

 

In the swimming pool, located in the house lawn, floated colored balloons in the respective countries colors. The guests enjoyed food from the kitchen of participating African countries.

After the National Anthem of the African Union and Israel, and after proposing a toast to both nations, spoke the Ambassador of Kenya, in his role of the Dean of African Diplomatic Corps in Israel.

The Ambassador welcomed the Defense Minister, Moshe Yaalon, the ambassadors and all  guests. He spoke about the 50th anniversary of the founding of the African continental organization in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia in 1963 and about 2014 as the year of Agriculture and food security, that marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Comprehensive African Agriculture and Development Program.

The Ambassador  spoke about the goal of agricultural transformation in Africa – to enable production and availability of food for the population, and to provide means of livelihood to the ever increasing population. The future farmers in Africa are going to be young and exposed to technologies so as to succeed in sustaining the agricultural growth.

He then spoke about the threat that the climate change poses to achieving these goals although Africa is producing the least amount of greenhouse gases in the world and called for global application of the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.

The African shall not succeed in eradicating poverty and diseases unless they engage in integration of its economy and mineral resources. The African Union has a new agenda – Agenda 2063, which presents a collective effort to regain power to determine Africa own destiny. Agenda 2063 will translate this vision into concrete milestones and targets.

 

The Ambassador than spoke about sustainable peace and security to the African people that will enable the development of the continent. African leaders will continue to harness the conductive environment for peace and stability to ensure development and shared prosperity.

Africa has enormous untapped resources like hydro power, wind and solar energy and geothermal energy that will have enormous potential for bio-energy development. Therefor Africa will strive to generate most of its energy from renewable sources. In this regard, Israeli companies with their advanced technologies are invited to participate in the harnessing of these untapped renewable sources of energy in Africa.  He also extended Africa’s appreciation to the State of Israel for considering Africa as the next business destination for Israelis.

 

The search for peace in the Middle East continues to be an urgent priority for the African Union, who seeks to take every opportunity to help promote a peaceful two state solution, in accordance with the international resolutions aimed at achieving lasting peace, security and economic prosperity in the region.

After the Ambassador, spoke the Minister of Defense, Mr. Moshe Yaalon.

The minister addressed his speech to the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Israel, the Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic mission in Israel. He represented the Government of Israel in the celebration of 51 years of the African Union. Minister Yaalon said that Israel and the African States share special and close relations ever since the peoples of Africa gained their independence in the 20th Century.

Based on the common values of freedom and democracy, the pursuit of development together with a common historic heritage. Israel, said the minister, is proud of its historic and continuous relations with Africa. Israel acknowledges the vast economic potential of Africa and Israeli organizations see it as an important destination.

 

Israel, said Mr. Yaalon, attaches great importance to the African Union, which holds a central part in the promotion of Pan-African unity and solidarity. Unfortunately, since 2002, Israel has been banned from the African Union conferences. If the A.U. is interested in having influence in the Middle East, it must enable Israel’s return to this political body. The African Union can find in Israel a loyal partner for the sake of its development, compatible with the agenda of Africa's Renaissance.

The minister reiterated that  Africa holds great importance for Israel from the points of view of defense and the war against terror, especially in view of  the growing strength of radical Islamist organizations and the infiltration of terrorist elements, following what was called the "Arab Spring" in North Africa. Recently, Prime Minister Netanyahu responded positively to the appeal of the President of Nigeria and an Israeli delegation is presently in Nigeria to help locate the kidnapped young girls.

 

We consider, continued minister Yaalon, Recently, Prime Minister Netanyahu responded positively to the appeal of the President of Nigeria and an Israeli delegation is presently in Nigeria to help locate the kidnapped young girls. Israel will always stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder with African countries confronting the menace of terror and radicalism. The same is true regarding the battle we need to lead together against racism, violence and xenophobia.  Both the Jewish people and the peoples of Africa suffered and continue to suffer today from racism and persecutions, as we have seen only yesterday in the heinous murder in the Jewish museum in Brussels.

 

Minister Yaalon ended his speech by presenting warm congratulations and the best wishes of the Israeli Government on the occasion of Africa Day.

This unique and honoring evening ended in African Fashion Show and dancing to African music. All is left for us is to greet Africa to be united, peaceful and prosperous.

 

Photos  : Arieh Lahat

 

The angels smiled. The weather was perfect, the setting magical, the hosts gracious, the guests scintillating and the refreshments outstanding.

 

The event was the reception hosted by His Excellency Ambassador Sisa Ngombane and Mrs. Thatanyana Ngombane at their ambassadorial residence in Ramat Gan on the 29th April. It was just 20 years ago that South Africa dropped the outrageous apartheid policy and joined the family of nations as a true democracy for all its citizens. No longer would the color of one’s skin be the deciding factor in so many spheres of anyone’s daily life. Indeed, a reason to celebrate.

 

The evening opened with a smart reception with guests mingling happily on the beautiful lawns. Honoring the assembly with their presence where, amongst many others, their Excellencies Ambassadors Rodrigo X. Carreras (Costa Rica), Lars Faaborg-Andersen ( European Union), Miguel de Almeida e Sousa (Portugal) and Pjer Šimunović (Croatia); senior (and other) members of the diplomatic corps in Israel, captains of industry, art, science, education and culture in Israel; and many other honored guests from various walks of life that link South Africa and Israel.

 

The national anthems of South Africa and Israel preceded Ambassador Ngombane’s address to the guests. He noted that for only the 5th time, fully democratic elections in South Africa are scheduled to be held on 7th May; elections with a special significance after only 20 years of freedom. He paid tribute to the many South Africans living abroad, including in Israel, whom, he said “… have made significant contributions to their adoptive countries….”.

 

“Freedom came with a heavy price tag, and we pay homage to those who fought so hard to bring that freedom. … South Africans having been passing poverty from generation to generation. We are now reversing that trend”. The Ambassador noted that South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world because of the widening economic gap. He noted too that South Africa was one of the countries that voted in favor of the establishment of the State of Israel at the UN General Assembly in 1947, and that South Africa today, with its large Muslim population, supports “the Palestinian desire for Independence”.

 

 

Israel’s Minister of Tourism Dr. Uzi Landau, representing the Government and the State of Israel responded. He congratulated South Africa, and the gracious hosts, and requested that greetings and best wishes be sent to the Government and the people of South Africa, from the people of Israel. Dr. Landau gave a brief, complimentary overview of South Africa’s pluralism, democracy, scientific achievements and more. He mentioned the significant role South African Jewry – a tiny minority – had played not only in the country’s successes, but also in the struggle for freedom. “Today there is robust cooperation between the two countries. South Africa is Israel’s largest trading partner in Africa, and is unique in having Israel’s only Commercial Attaché on that continent. Nevertheless, we believe that there is potential to upgrade and diversify our cooperation for the benefit of both nations and in areas such as public health, water management, and food security.” As for the Palestinian desire for independence, Dr. Landau noted sadly that “Israel is still praying for a Palestinian “Sadat” who seeks peace, a free press and true democracy”.

 

 

Ambassador Ngombane thanked the Israeli representative for his words and proposed a toast to the health of the President of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres.

 

With the background of charming music, and abetted by the delicious South African liqueurs, many of the guests joined in a group dance while a festive buffet dinner was served. South Africans have long been known for their sincere and congenial hospitality and Ambassador Ngombane and Mrs. Ngombane ensure that the tradition lives on.

 

 

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika. (Xhosa for “Lord bless Africa” and part of the South African national anthem).

  

 

 

Photo Silvia Golan  &  Dave Kaplan

 

 

On Tuesday, December 10, 2013, the Romanian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv, directed by Dr. Gina Pană, held a Special Piano and Opera Concert in Honor of Romania's National Day. This event took place at Enav Center in Tel Aviv.

The concert was preceded by addresses of Dr. Gina Pană, Ambassador of Romania in Israel, Mrs. Andrea Păstârnac, and Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture, Dr. Irina Cajal-Marin.

The concert started with the National Anthems of Romania and Israel sang by soprano Dika Philosoph, accompanied by pianist Sofia Mazar. The concert then included arias composed by Gounod, Verdi and Puccini performed by Dika Philosoph, accompanied by Sofia Mazar, and piano pieces composed by Beethoven, Enescu and Chopin performed by pianist Andrei Licaret.

After the concert, an exhibition of Portraits of People, which displays traditions from ethnic communities in Romania, was opened in Enav's foyer. This exhibition was preceded by introductory words by Dr. Paulina Popoiu, General Director of the NVM, Buchares Cocktail.

 

  Despite the cold and rainy weather in Tel-Aviv, while snowing in Jerusalem, covering the capital with a thick white "blanket",

 

A very warm and friendly reception was held in the Dan hotel – Tel-Aviv, by the Kenyan embassy, Thursday evening dec.19 2013.


To this special event, marking the celebration of Independence Day Jubilee: the 50th Anniversary of a free and independent Republic of Kenya, many distinguished gests were invited:


The Israeli Minister Meir Cohen, and some other Israeli officials, Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Mission in Israel, and other Honored Guests.


The special atmosphere of the event, was felt and seen already at the entrance to the ballroom, where some beautiful female Kenyan receptionists, dressed in authentic colorful dresses, were checking the guests list and providing the participants with souvenirs from Kenya.


Entering the ballroom, one could see, feel and taste the hospitality of the Kenyan people, presented by the Kenyan Ambassador and the Kenyan embassy staff.

 

 


Excellent food and beverage was served, the room was decorated with flags, flowers, a large video screen, on which a Kenyan tour attractions were shown...


After some delay, caused by waiting for The Minister Meir Cohen, and some other officials, which finally could not leave Jerusalem because the roads were blocked by snow,the official opening  was declared.

 

Both National anthems: the Kenya an the Israeli, were played, accompanied by singing of the both countries present guests and staff members. Then speeches were made.


His Excellency, Ambassador Augostino Njoroge, accompanied by Mrs. Margaret Njoroge, spoke about the founding of the free and independent Republic of Kenya, fifty years ago, the progress that the Kenyan people have made since then and what Kenya is like today.


The Ambassador mentioned also the firm and special relationship, friendship and cooperation, between Kenya and Israel, since the first days of Kenya's independence in 1963 and until now, hoping for many years of such relationship to come.


After the Ambassadors speech, raising glasses of wine as a toast to both countries, their Presidents and people, a special message of greetings and wishes was presented on the video screen, by the Israeli President Mr. Shimon Peres.
The speech on behalf of the Israeli Minister Meir Cohen and the Government and People of Israel, was red by the representative Mr Avraham(Avi) Granot, Deputy Director General for Africa, MFA ,who congratulated the Republic of Kenya on the occasion of its 50th Independence day "this celebration is special for Israel, as it also marks the a Jubilee year of Israel-Kenya diplomatic relations.


The past 50 years we have witnessed a blossoming friendship between Kenya and Israel based on economic, cultural, strategic and humanitarian ties as well as shared values

 

 

 

After the official part of the event, a fashion show held place, showing Kenya's style designed dresses, shown by beautiful Kenyan models, giving the present guests a taste of a sweet "desert".

 

 

Photos Silvia Golan

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday, December 2, the Thai Embassy held a festive reception for the King's birthday and for the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand.

 

 

The event was held at the Hilton Hotel in Tel Aviv and included a reception overflowing with Thai traditions.

 

Guests were welcomed with a warm handshake by Thai Ambassador Boon-Long, his wife Kamolrat Boon-Long and embassy staff. Guests were treated to a taste of Thailand with musicians and dancers brought especially for this occasion from Thailand. The band played the Thai and Israeli national anthems with traditional Thai instruments to which the audience sang along.

 

 

The Thai Ambassador addressed Yair Shamir, Minister of Agriculture, members of the diplomatic corpsand guests. He said that for the Thai people, the birthday of His Majesty the King is not only a time to celebrate, but also a time to reflect upon His Majesty’s contribution, dedication, and work towards bettering the lives of the Thai people. He said, "His Majesty the King has always been the main pillar in the nation’s stability and in bringing about development in the country. “The Soul of the Nation” as His Majesty the King is referred, does not only relate to the institution of the monarchy but also to the King himself - with his moral integrity, close contact with his people and lifelong devotion to them".

 

 

Ambassador Boom-Long discussed Thai trade relations with Israel: "with Thailand’s capacity as a major world supplier of diversified agricultural products and as a member of ASEAN (a combined market of about 600 million people), together with Israel’s agricultural and scientific technologies, we can work together to utilize the resources of both countries in agriculture and industry."  Ambassador Boom-Long also remarked: "I believe that Thailand and Israel share the same vision of improving people’s livelihood, building human capacity and transferring knowledge for agricultural development domestically and internationally. He added, "with our current dialogue between TICA and MASHAV (Israel's agency for international development cooperation) and other governmental and private entities, Thailand is Israel's strategic partner in conducting trilateral and international cooperation in Southeast Asia and beyond". At the end of his speech, Ambassador Boom-Long toasted to everyone's good health and happiness and to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as well as to continued close and cordial relations between Thailand and Israel.

 

 

As the representative of the Government of Israel, Yair Shamir wished his Majesty King  Bhumibol good health and happiness and best wishes to the people of Thailand. Minister Shamir mentioned that this year it would be almost 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Israel and Thailand. "Thailand was among the first Asian countries to both recognize and maintain diplomatic relations with the State of Israel. Since1954, Thailand and Israel have enjoyed an ever-warming friendship". He continued by saying: "We are particularly proud of Princess Chulabhorn, who has led the cooperation between Rambam and Hadassah Medical Centers in Israel and the Thai Chulabhorn Research Institute in the field of cancer research.

 

 

Minister Shamir mentioned that as Thailand enjoys a major economic position in Asia and as the world looks east, Thailand will play an increasingly important economic role in the region.

 

The economic exchanges between the countries are diverse and vast and cover the communication, agriculture, defense, food and water technologies sectors, among others. He mentioned that apart from trade, Thailand's migrant workers (numbering some 25,000) in Israel play a crucial role in our economic relations. Israel is committed and will remain committed to their welfare and protection. Israel is also proud to have trained thousands of Thai citizens in agriculture and other disciplines through the "Mashav" Agency.

 

 

Minister Shamir concluded by asking AmbassadorBoom-Long to "convey our best wishes to His Majesty the King of Thailand, the government and people of Thailand on its National day. "May Thailand continue to prosper and flourish and we wish that the good relations and friendship between Thailand and Israel will continue to grow in the years ahead".

 

The Thai band then continued to play while guests enjoyed a variety of Thai delicacies served in accordance with Thai tradition and its unique food decorations.  

 

 

During the event, I had the chance to meet Dov Kalmann, the representative of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Israel. I asked him to describe the nature of Israeli tourism to Thailand.Mr. Kalmann said that Israelis "regard Thailand as a kind of second home. The increase in number of Israelis visiting the Kingdom (130,000 = 1.6% of the total population) is almost an international phenomena – only Switzerland produces more visitors to Thailand relative to their population. One item to take note of is the fact that there are 415 weekly flights (direct or indirect) from Switzerland to Thailand compared to only 78 weekly flights from Israel. Our main constraint is therefore the lack of flights. We see 2013 showing another increase (8%) in traffic from Israel to Thailand'.

 

 

Mr. Kalmann continued by saying that, "according to official Thai statistics, Israelis spend an average of $134 per day. This is higher than most other groups. Our aim is to retain the high-end profile Israelis have of Thailand by promoting high quality products, family travel, shopping and honeymoon vacations". He mentioned that the fastest growing segment of the Israeli market to Thailand is the family segment. Israelis travel with their three kids (average) for a period of two weeks, mainly during the low season in Thailand (the rainy season). This has been a major target since TAT opened its representative office in Israel. 

 

 

Of course it was impossible not to ask him about tourism in light of current internal protests and demonstrations in Thailand.  Mr. Kalmann said that right now there is no reason not to visit Thailand. "The demonstrations are taking place in areas far away from the main tourist areas, shopping malls and nightlife sites. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued any new travel advisory – but recommend remaining updated regarding any developments. We have not noticed any change in booking patterns from Israel nor any cancellations".

 

 

 

Here are some interesting facts we found about Thailand:

 

Thailand (officially the Kingdom of Thailand) was formerly known as Siam. The country is a constitutional monarchy, headed by King Rama IX, the ninth king of the House of Chakri, which has reigned since 1946.  Thailand is the world's 51st-largest country in terms of total area (with an area of approximately 513,000 km2) and is the 20th-most-populous country, with some 64 million people. About 75% of the population is ethnically Thai, 14% Thai Chinese, and 3% Malay, with the rest belonging to minority groups and various hill tribes. The country's official language is Thai. The primary religion is Buddhism - around 95% of the population.

 

 

Regarding their economy, Thailand is an emerging economy and considered a newly industrialized country.Thailand exports over $105 billion of goods and services annually. Major exports include rice, textiles and footwear, fishery products, rubber, jewelry, cars, computers and electrical appliances. Thailand is the world's no.1 exporter of rice, exporting more than 6.5 million tons of milled rice annually.

 

 

Industrial products include electrical appliances and components, computer parts and automobiles. Thailand ranks high among the world's automotive exporters as well as in the manufacturing of electronic goods. Tourism in Thailand makes up about 6% of the economy.Thailand has a GDP of $602 billion, putting Thailand as the second largest economy in Southeast Asia. 

 

According to the Israeli Export Institute, trade between Thailand and Israel has increased steadily in recent years. In 2010, bilateral trade between the countries grew by 40%. Thailand imports mainly diamonds and chemicals from Israel and exports to Israel machinery and electronic equipment.

 

Photos Silvia G.Golan