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Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam's Independence Day Reception - Einav Cultural Center, Tel Aviv
On the evening of Wednesday, September 2nd 2026, the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the State of Israel, H.E. Dr. Nguyen Ky-Son and Madam, hosted the 81st Independence Day reception at Tel Aviv Municipality's Einav Center.
The hall was decorated with Vietnamese flags, and many Vietnamese attendants were dressed in exquisite traditional clothes. On the stage, a table with celebratory cake was prepared for the ceremonial cutting.
Traditional Vietnamese food ( delicious Chicken spring rolls, Vietnamese beef stew Stir fried moodles ) and fresh fruit platters, nuts and sweets were served and a bar offering wine and soft beverages.
The official ceremony started by the playing and singing of Israel and Viet Nam's national anthems.and enthusiastically sung
H.E. Dr. Nguyen Ky-Son, in his speech, welcomed the dignitaries in attendance. He described the arduous but triumphant path of the country from the liberation of the North in 1954 and the unification with the South in 1975.
The ambassador then continued to describe the immense progress Viet Nam made in diplomatic recognition by numerous countries; Viet Nam has emerged as a dynamic upper-middle-income country, deeply integrated into the global market, now a safe and friendly country.
He stated the goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045. This will be achieved by the on-going streamlining the government, optimizing the business environment to increase efficiency. He indicated that the new growth model is driven by science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
The Ambassador stated that Israel and Viet Nam have established relations in 1993, and mentioned the historic meetings between President Ho Chi Minh and David Ben-Gurion in Paris in 1946, later inspiring a warm friendship between the two countries.
This friendship has transformed into a partnership that continues to deepen, broaden, and deliver tangible results. Two years since the FTA entered into force, bilateral trade rapidly approaches the four-billion-milestone. A growing wave of Israeli enterprises is exploring new investment and forging strategic partnerships in Viet Nam. Meanwhile, through party-to-party ties and people-to-people exchanges, the political and social foundations of the two countries bilateral relations are increasingly consolidated.
Economic ties are now greatly enhanced through high-level free trade agreements and various other agreements, facilitating commerce and technology exchange. Tourism and academic and cultural exchanges enhance the ties between the two countries, with Israel’s technological prowess, innovative spirit, and capacity to turn cutting-edge ideas into practical solutions. The Ambassador pointed out that with a population exceeding 102 million people; Viet Nam possesses advanced manufacturing capabilities, and an expansive trade network of 17 FTAs, and that the two combined could unlock new and strategic ventures.
The Ambassador concluded his speech with thanking the Israeli authorities for enabling these productive ties and warm friendship between Viet Nam and Israel, and then he wished all a happy new Jewish year with peace, prosperity, and happiness to shine upon the two peoples and across the respective regions.
After the speech, the ceremonial cutting of the cake took place, with the sound of the Shofar (ritual horn).
Distinguished guests included Ambassador Aviv Ezra Deputy Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the Israeli ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Yaron Meir former Ambassador of Israel to Viet Nam, Dr. Asher Salman Israeli Ministry of health- International Relations, Mr. Yoram Naor Hi-Tech Israel-Viet Nam promoter , Mr. Uri Dali Chairman of the Israel-Angola Chamber of Commerce, Gabriel Hayon, Chairman of The Diplomatic Institute, Ron Doron V.P. of Israel-Asia,Chamber of Commerce , Mrs. Yona Bartal, representative of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation , Steve Linde Journalist for JNS, Mrs .Ariela Rosental International department of City of Ashdod, Miriam Berger Executive Director of the Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce,, Moshe Betito Alta & IFM Company, Ariel Goldshtein Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister's Office , Mrs .Ayala Meitav Tel Aviv city International Relations, many Ambassadors and business leaders,
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Embassy , Government and People of Viet Nam on the National Day, and offers best wishes for the continued success and growth of the ties between Viet Nam and Israel.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan
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More than 50 Ambassadors and Senior Diplomatic Representatives Attended Herzliya Municipality New Year Reception
More than 50 Ambassadors and Senior Diplomatic Representatives Attended Herzliya Municipality New Year Reception
Herzliya Mayor, Yariv Fisher, hosted a New Year reception this week at HaMesila in Herzliya, attended by more than 50 ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other distinguished guests.
Also attending the event were senior officials from Reichman University, including the university’s founder, Prof. Uriel Reichman, University CEO Ayelet Ben-Ezer Gelbard, senior representatives of the Herzliya Foundation, and senior municipal officials.
During the event, the Foreign Relations and Strategic Partnerships Unit, led by the Strategy Division of the Herzliya Municipality, was presented. The unit is responsible for promoting and developing international cooperation.
The unit represents a professional and proactive approach to engaging with the city’s diplomatic community, fostering ongoing relations, initiatives, connections, and collaborations with embassies and foreign missions. Its renewed establishment is aimed at creating value for both the city and the State of Israel through international partnerships in the fields of culture, academia, technology, tourism, sports, economics, and society.
Herzliya Mayor Yariv Fisher said at the event:
«“The establishment of the Foreign Relations and Strategic Partnerships Unit strengthens Herzliya’s position as a global city, connecting the municipality, the international community, a leading university, the business sector, culture, tourism, and innovation. Herzliya serves as a ‘Gateway to the World’ and as a model for a global Israeli city that creates connections between people, communities, and institutions, while strengthening Israel’s ties with the international arena.
At the same time, Herzliya is a city that drives innovation and growth, and can share its extensive knowledge and experience with other cities around the world based on the principles of reciprocity, peer learning, and joint projects addressing shared pressing challenges.
At such a challenging time for the State of Israel and for the Jewish people around the world, receiving a diplomatic embrace from more than 50 countries is something that cannot be taken for granted.”»
Among the ambassadors attending the event were representatives of the European Union, Finland, Bahai , Greece, Costa Rica, Chipre, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, the Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Russia, Paraguay, Mexico, and Ukraine.
Photo credit Herzliya Municipality Spokesperson’s Office.
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A distinguished diplomatic gathering hosted by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Israel brought together diplomats, scholars, and journalists to review the nation’s historic constitutional reform adopted via nationwide referendum on March 15, 2026 and celebrate the rapid expansion of Kazakhstan-Israel relations.
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Daulet Yemberdiyev, presented the foundational changes aimed at modernizing public administration and strengthening democratic accountability. Central to this overhaul is the transition to the unicameral Kurultai, a streamlined 145 member single chamber parliament replacing the previous two-chamber system. With parliamentary elections scheduled for August 23, 2026, the constitutional framework introduces key new institutions, including a Vice President to ensure executive continuity, and the People’s Council (Halyq Qengesi)-a consultative body representing civil society with direct legislative initiative. Together, these reforms establish a rebalanced system of checks and balances by enhancing parliamentary oversight while maintaining an effective presidential governance model.
Ambassador Yemberdiyev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s secular, multi-vector foreign policy and its positive engagement with the Abraham Accords framework. Highlighting unprecedented momentum in bilateral ties, the Ambassador noted recent high-level Israeli delegations to Kazakhstan including Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Ministers David Amsalem and Gideon Sa'ar, and President Isaac Herzog. A major milestone announced at the briefing is the finalization of a mutual 90-day visa-free regime, alongside ongoing progress on double taxation avoidance and direct flight routes.
The panel discussion provided rich academic, historical, and geopolitical insights into the partnership. Prof. Eduard Yakubov, President of the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT), underscored Kazakhstan’s strategic position as a bridge between East and West, paying moving tribute to the historical shelter Central Asian nations provided to hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II who later helped build Israel. Emphasizing higher tech education as the core engine of national growth for Kazakhstan's young demographic, Prof. Yakubov detailed HIT's active collaboration with ten Kazakhstani universities and announced an upcoming delegation in October to establish a joint Technological Innovation Center focusing on AI, cybersecurity, digital health, and student exchange programs.
Complementing these academic perspectives, Mordechai Kimyogarov, Representative for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the World Congress of Bukharian Jews (honored within the community as its "Minister of Foreign Relations and Friendship of Peoples"), delivered a moving tribute to the historic and modern alliance between the Jewish people and Kazakhstan. Drawing on a 2,600 year history of peaceful coexistence in Central Asia dating back to the destruction of the First Temple, Kimyogarov highlighted the shared traditions, cultural bonds, and deep brotherhood between the two nations. He paid emotional homage to the Kazakh people's heroism during World War II both on the battlefronts and through their extraordinary humanitarianism in sheltering over one million refugees, including 200,000 European Jews, an act of generosity he stressed global Jewry must never forget. Turning to contemporary relations, Kimyogarov lauded Kazakhstan’s global leadership in interfaith dialogue-recalling his privilege of moderating a major interfaith congress in Jerusalem-as well as the flourishing bilateral cooperation spanning advanced medical training, defense technology, and trade. He praised Kazakhstan’s ongoing constitutional modernization and vibrant, educated youth, expressing full confidence in the nation's bright future under Ambassador Daulet Yemberdiyev's dedicated diplomatic leadership.
Adding a strategic analytical dimension to the panel, renowned political analyst and Central Asia expert Arkady Y. Dubnov offered a profound perspective based on 35 years of observing the post-Soviet landscape - an era now spanning half the lifetime of the USSR. Describing Kazakhstan as an extraordinary multi-ethnic state, Dubnov highlighted how Astana’s political trajectory actively challenges conventional, cynical views of diplomacy by reintroducing a rare moral dimension, decency, and ethical responsibility into international relations. Fully embodying its role as a constructive "middle power," Kazakhstan's foreign policy - exemplified by its open-minded engagement with initiatives like the Abraham Accords - demonstrates that principled, process-driven statecraft can serve as a beacon of optimism and a hub for a "new morality" in global politics.
Special appreciation is extended to Ambassador H.E. Mr. Daulet Yemberdiyev, Counsellor Assen Kashkenov, and the Embassy staff for their exceptional organization and gracious hosting of this diplomatic briefing.
Photos: Silvia G. Golan
More pictures available on Facebook (Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G. Golan) & Instagram (@SilviaGolan)
Lior Sattarov is a member of Debate for Peace. https://debateforpeace.org/
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The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated by the Embassy of India in Israel on August 15, 2026, with great gaiety and fervour, in the presence of members of the Indian Jewish community, the Indian diaspora and friends of India. 
For the first time, the National Song, Vande Mataram, was also sung during the occasion, marking 150 years since its composition.
The programme commenced with the flag-hoisting by H.E. Mr. J. P. Singh, Ambassador of India to Israel, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Ambassador Singh also read the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day Address to the Nation.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted India’s growing stature on the global stage and its vision for a strong, developed and self-reliant nation. She emphasised India’s commitment to playing a leading role in the world, noting that “our country has grown in stature on the global stage” and reaffirming India’s belief in “a rules based international order.”
Highlighting India’s remarkable progress in science, technology and digital innovation, the President noted that “India has developed the world's largest and best digital infrastructure”, with more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions taking place in India. She said that India and its people have “presented an example of digital revolution to the global community.”
The President also underlined the important role of India’s young generation in shaping the country’s technological future, noting that “a new phase of space exploration has been ushered in through the recent successful rocket launch by a young team with an average age of just 28 years.” She further highlighted the growing global recognition of Indian youth and their talent, dedication and leadership.
The guests were very enthusiastic about the traditional and super delicious catering by Chef Rina Pushkarna of the "Tandori" restaurant chain.
The celebrations also featured the felicitation of the winners of the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz’ and ‘India Through My Lens’ Photography Competition, with certificates and special prizes presented to the winners. Students of the Indian Cultural Centre added to the festivities with a stellar dance performance, showcasing the vibrant colours and rich cultural heritage of India.
The Embassy of India in Israel wishes all Indians in Israel and across the world a very Happy 80th Independence Day!
Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com wish the Ambassador, the Embassy staff, our friend Ms. Rina Pushkarna and all Indians in Israel and around the world a happy 80th Independence Day.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan & Instagram SilviaGolan
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On Monday evening, the Ambassador of El Salvador to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Hector Enrique Celarie Landaverde, in collaboration with Herzliya's Municipal Tourism Development Corporation, hosted an event entitled "Surf Experience El Salvador: The Perfect Waves" at the Sailing Club, located at Herzliya Pituach's Marina.
The event was aimed at the Israeli public with the intention of showcasing the country as a world - class surfing destination featuring two renowned Israeli surfers, Gabi Wolovick and Lior Benisty, who shared their experiences in El Salvador and explained why the country has become one of the world's premier surfing destinations due to the quality of its waves, tourism infrastructure and the warm hospitality of its people. Last year, tourism in El Salvador grew exponentially, at more than 4%, almost 4.5 million people visited El Salvador in 2025.
The evening highlighted El Salvadaor's role as a host of major international surfing events which included the World Surf League (WSL), the ISA World Surfing Games, the ISA World Junior Championship, the ISA World Longboard Championship and the Alas Pro Tour which strengthened El Salvador's position as a leading destination for sports tourism. Thanks to the initiatives and policies driven by the incumbent President, the Honorable Mr. Nayib Bukele, El Salvador has become one of the world's safest countries to visit.
The event coordinator was Ms. Iris Jimenez, in charge of Public Diplomacy at the Embassy.
The Master of Ceremonies and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Raphael Castro's address was in Hebrew.
Afterwards the Ambassador who also spoke in Hebrew, welcomed all and sundry mentioning that El Salvador has become one of the world's most sought after surfing tourist destinations world wide. The country is located on the Pacific ocean and provides constant waves perennially as well as warm waters. Recently our government launched a campaign to make our coastal area into a tourism destination. El Salvador hosts the most prestigious surf competitions. Our country's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural diversity and warmth of our inhabitants is a valid reason to visit. Next month, on the 26th of September, UN Tourism Day will be hosted in El Salvador focusing on artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
A short and colourful movie about Surf City in El Salvador was shown.
A panel discussion in Hebrew with the Ambassador and two of Israel's most known surfers, Gabi Wolovick and Lior Benisty sharing their El Salvadorian experiences took place on a raised dais against a backdrop of photographs of El Salvador's impressive coast line and pristine beaches. Both surfers mentioned the safety and calm atmosphere prevailing in El Salvador as well as the love El Salvadorians have for Israel. Logistically it is also convenient to visit El Salvador as the surf locations are a mere 40 minute drive from the airport. Hiking, rafting, a rich cuisine and extraordinary nature including forests and rivers are another reason to visit this MesoAmerican country. After the panel discussion the Ambassador presented Gabi Wolovick and Lior Belinsky with an award of appreciation inscribed on glass in honour of their efforts to promote El Salvador as a premier surfing tourist destination.
Fresh fruit, savories, pastries, cake, soft drinks and an El Salvadorian delicacy, pupusa, a pancake consisting of corn served either with cheese or black beans accompanied by a coleslaw salad and tomato sauce was also served.
There was a table manned by the El Salvadorian Consul, Ms. Alexandra Molina, who wore a traditional El Salvadorian costume of blue and white, complimentary promotional caps, tshirts, arms bands and water bottles advertising Surf City were given to guests upon request.
Among members of the surfing community in Israel, tourism stakeholders, media representatives and guests interested in learning more about El Salvador's Surf City was El Salvador's Honorary Consul in Israel, Mr. Yossi Abadi, Mr. Roy Roznek, Kosovo's Honorary Consul in Israel, H.E. Mr. Yosef Livne, previously Israel;'s Ambassador to El Salvador, Ms. Dana Oren Yanai, Herzliya's Deputy Mayor, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Ronit Ovadia, CEO Managing Director of Herzliya Municipal Tourism Development Company, Mr. Dov Kalmann, Chairperson of Kalmann and Co Ltd, Founder of Terranova Tourism Marketing Ltd, Chairman of Neuland GSA Tourism and Hospitality Ltd and Publisher of "Israel Tourism Community" magazine and Ms. Rosetta Rebecca Pardo, CEO of Sal Global Ltd.
Diplomacy.co.il and www.diariojudio.com extend its appreciation and gratitude to the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Hector Enrique Celaraie Landaverde and the Embassy staff for an exotic evening of joy and conviviality.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan & Instagram SilviaGolan
