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President Isaac Herzog received the credentials today of the new ambassadors of Australia, the Philippines, El Salvador, South Korea, and Türkiye in a series of official ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
The incoming ambassadors were welcomed by the IDF Orchestra playing their respective national anthems and they inspected an IDF honor guard in the Ceremonial Plaza, after which they presented their letters of credence to the President in the Great Hall. The President held an audience with each ambassador, after which each ambassador signed the guest book. At the end of each ceremony, the Israeli national anthem was played.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia, H.E. Dr. Ralph Peter King
The first ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was the Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia, H.E. Dr. Ralph Peter King, formerly Australia’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Kuwait. “Australia is an immense friend of the State of Israel,” said the President. “I am very grateful for Australia’s support of Israel’s position in so many international forums.” The Australian Ambassador added that he intends to work to promote trade and reciprocal tourism, to maintain Australia’s support for Israel in international forums, and to prevent it from being singled out, emphasizing the promotion of long-term peace.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Pedro Laylo
The second ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Pedro Laylo. The President thanked the Ambassador for the dedication of Filipino care workers in Israel, calling them “guardian angels.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Milton Eduardo Umaña Acevedo
The third ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was the Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Milton Eduardo Umaña Acevedo, formerly his country’s consul-general in Miami, Florida. The President and the Ambassador discussed the importance of deepening Israeli-El Salvadorian ties in the fields of agriculture and tourism.
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Kim Jin-Han
The fourth ambassador to present his letters of credence to the President was Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Kim Jin-Han, a former intelligence official. The President and the Ambassador discussed the role played by the President’s uncle, Foreign Minister Abba Eban, in the diplomatic resolution of the Korean War. President Herzog and the Korean Ambassador discussed several issues including reciprocal trade. At the end, they raised a toast and the Ambassador of Korea said, “Am Yisrael Chai!”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Türkiye, H.E. Mr. Şakir Özkan Torunlar
The last ambassador to present his letters of credence was the Ambassador of Türkiye, H.E. Mr. Şakir Özkan Torunlar. The ceremony comes around ten months after the President’s historic State Visit to Türkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in March 2022. Ambassador Torunlar, formerly Türkiye’s consul-general in Jerusalem and ambassador to India, was appointed by President Erdoğan to the role of Ambassador to the State of Israel following the announcement of the restoration of full diplomatic relations between Israel and Türkiye.
In his remarks, the President underscored the importance of relations between Israel and Türkiye, noting Türkiye’s significant role in the region. The President also conveyed an invitation for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to visit Israel.
Photos: Kobi Gideon/ Haim Zach /GPO
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- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Steven Aiello
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Israel hosted a National Day celebration on Thursday evening at the Hilton hotel in Tel Aviv. The historic evening commemorated the establishment of Bahrain as an Arab and Muslim state in 1783 by Ahmed al Fateh, as well as the anniversary of King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s accession. It was also a celebration of the flourishing binational ties between Bahrain and Israel.
Following the national anthems of Israel and Bahrain, H.E. Ambassador Khaled Yusuf al Jalahma took the podium to address the audience. The ambassador recalled his initial emotions on taking up the historic position of the first ambassador to Israel, and spoke warmly of the support he has received in the last year and a half. Ambassador Jalahma noted that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Israel had allowed Bahrainis to engage with their “Arab brothers and sisters and Jewish cousins” in Israel, and vice versa.
Ambassador Jalahma talked of the strong desire for peace and warm relations between Bahrain and Israel, and how much the ties have already grown. The ambassador also spoke of the importance to the Bahraini people of ensuring that Palestinians are treated justly. Ambassador Jalahma noted the desire by Bahrainis and Israelis alike to ensure a more stable, peaceful Middle East for the betterment of everyone’s future.
Minister of Regional Engagement, H.E. Mr. Issawi Frej, spoke on behalf of the government of Israel. Minister Frej expressed the happiness of all Israelis at the new and thriving relations with Bahrain. The minister listed over 40 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) signed between the two nations already, and the historic visit to Bahrain by Israeli President Herzog, as evidence of the flourishing relationship between Bahrain and Israel.
Minister Frej noted that “the Abraham Accords and the warm peace between us are here to stay and expand. The Peace Agenda crosses government and political lines, and we want every citizen in Bahrain and in Israel to enjoy the fruits of our peace.” Minister Frej also noted that “We must not forget our neighbors, the Palestinians. Those who share with us the same piece of land and who, the better their lives are, the better our lives will be”, calling for greater economic integration of Palestinians, for the economic betterment and stability of all the people in the region.
Among the areas of cooperation between Bahrain and Israel, the minister listed “investment, trade, food security, cyber-security, agro-tech, energy, diamonds, and research-and-development,” with many more areas for potential partnerships. Minister Frej concluded his remarks with a blessing for “continued prosperity and success” for Bahrain, and for “the friendship and cooperation between us continue to flourish in the years ahead.”
The guests also heard a pre-recorded video greeting from the Israeli prime minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu, and numerous videos highlighting different aspects of Bahrain’s rich and unique heritage, tourism opportunities, as well as business-friendly environment for foreign investors and companies.
Guests enjoyed live music, along with a lavish dinner menu featuring traditional Gulf delicacies. Handcrafts from Bahrain were also on display, while large screens showed images awaiting visitors to the kingdom. All the guests also received a bag filled with mementos from Bahrain.
The distinguished guests included many ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, along with business and civil society leaders, including : Minister of Communications, Mr. Yoaz Hendel; the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Chief of Protocol Gil Haskel and wife; Henrique Cymerman, Journalist, Director, Author, and Lecturer at Reichman University Herzliya and President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Israel - Gulf States ; Izzy Haikin, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Israel - Gulf States Chairman ILGCC Israel-Gulf Cooperation Council; Dan Catarivas, Director General – Foreign Trade and International Relations at the Manufacturers Association of Israel; Uriel Bin, CEO of D-Fence electronic Fencing & Security Systems; Hadas Shpaner, from the Board of Directors of D-Fence electronic Fencing & Security Systems; Gil Shohat, Israeli classical music composer, conductor, pianist and lecturer; Chemi Peres, chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation; Yona Bartal, representative of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation; Andrea Yip Zidkilov from the Andrea Yip Consulting Group; Gideon Tahler, Chairman of Tal Aviation, the official representative of many Airlines in Israel; and Georgina Litvak - Corporate Account Manager - Hilton Tel Aviv.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the the Embassy , Government and People and of Bahrain on the National Day, and offers best wishes for the continued success and growth of the ties between Bahrain and Israel.
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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- Written by Silvia G. Golan & Steven Aiello
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 Steven Aiello
The Romanian embassy in Israel celebrated 75 years of Romanian independence, and a thriving bilateral relationship with Israel, with a gala concert in Jerusalem on Saturday night. The concert, part of the “Hallelujah” series, was titled “Romanian Passion, and featured the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, joined by two top musical talents from Romania: conductor Ionuț Pascu, and pan flutist Dalila Cernatescu.
Marton Salamon, the Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute, opened the evening, welcoming the audience, a full house in the Henry Crown hall of the Jerusalem Theatre, on this festive occasion. Mr. Salamon, speaking in fluent Hebrew, noted that the city of Timișoaram, where the Romanian revolution against Communism began in 1989, is set to become the “European capital of Tourism” in 2023.
Mr. Salamon explained that the concert was both a cultural celebration of Israeli-Romanian ties, as well as a part of the annual Hallelujah festival. He also explained the role of the pan flute, or nai, in the Romanian musical tradition, with Cernatescu being one of the most talented pan flute players in Romania.
H.E. Dr. Radu Ioanid, Ambassador of Romania in the State of Israel, quoted Eli Wiesel “Without memory, there is no culture, no civilization, no society and no future.” The ambassador noted that despite difficult periods in history, especially the Holocaust, Romania and Israel have enjoyed 75 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations, since 1948. The ambassador welcomed the participation and attendance of maestro László Roth, himself a Holocaust survivor from Romania, whose piece “Mountain Echoes” was performed as part of the concert.
Dani Dayan, the chairman of Yad Vashem, spoke as well. Mr. Dayan, referring to Ambassador Ioanid as “the best diplomat among the Holocaust historians and the best Holocaust historian among the diplomats”, congratulated the ambassador and the embassy on their willingness to engage with the full complexities of history, including the dark years of the Holocaust.
Following the speeches, the musicians were invited to the stage, and a magical concert began. The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ionuț Pascu, performed over a dozen pieces by Romanian composers, including by the aforementioned centenarian maestro László Roth, with a storied musical career and sitting in the audience, and featuring unique adaptations made for Cernatescu’s inimical pan flute, as well as a pan flute improvisation solo.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Embassy of Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute on the 75 year celebration, and offers best wishes for many more years of prosperous bilateral relations.
Photos and Videos courtesy of Mrs. Tony Duchev & Steven Aiello
More Pics at Facebook Diplomacy Israel / Israel Diplo / Silvia G. Golan
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
- Details
- 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
