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On Monday evening, the Austrian national day celebration was hosted at the Ambassador’s Residence in Herzliya. H.E. Ambassador Martin Weiss and his wife Susan greeted guests warmly as they entered. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres along with live jazz played by students from the Ironi Alef school for arts before and after the formal ceremony marking the celebration.
As a prominent member of the European Union, Austria incorporated the EU into the celebration as well. Austria has been holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second half of 2018, and posters explained about Austria’s leadership in that role. The formal ceremony opened with the national anthems of Austria, Israel and the European Union (Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy), performed by the Brass Quintet of the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music of Tel Aviv.
Ambassador Weiss welcomed the guests and thanked them for attending. He highlighted the long connection between Austria and Israel, which have maintained diplomatic relations for nearly 70 years, and expressed his hope that this friendship would continue.
Member of Knesset Dr. Michael Oren, Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy, spoke on behalf of Israel. Dr. Oren highlighted Austria’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism in Europe through its role as President of the European Union. He also mentioned the support of the government of Austria for its Jewish community, which has dwindled to only a few thousand members.
Looking to the future, the deputy minister listed areas for increased cooperation: trade, innovation, science, and culture. In particular, he stressed the advantages of bringing youth from Austria and Israel together to promote people to people diplomacy. In closing, Dr. Oren offered his a toast for success to Austria on behalf of the people and government of Israel.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a gala dinner, with Austrian sausages and schnitzel, along with Stiegl beer in a variety of flavors as the choice beverage. For dessert, there was traditional strudel.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Ambassador Meron Reuven, Chief of Protocol of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Tourism Ministry Director-General Amir Halevi; Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, head of the Israeli Center for Young Leaders and the Israel School for Young Ambassadors; Gad Proper, Chairman of the Israel-EU Chamber of Commerce; Dan Catarivas, Director General – Foreign Trade and International Relations at the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel and head of International Relations at the Federation of Israeli Economic Organizations (FIEO); Superintendent Moti Meiry, representative of the Israel Police; Ze'ev Lavie, Director of the International Relations Division of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, along with numerous ambassadors and other diplomats and representatives of the Austrian community.
Diplomacy.co.il offers congratulations to the Austrian Embassy on its National Day, and best wishes for success and strong bilateral relations between the nations.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
https://debateforpeace.wordpress.com/about/
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- Written by Silvia Golan & Steven Aiello
On Wednesday, October 24th, a unique art exhibition titled “Artist in Residence” was shown at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Ramat Gan. Mr. Aldo Henriquez, the communications consultant of the British Embassy and President of the Diplomatic Spouses Club in Israel, opened his artwork to a select audience in an intimate and engaging evening.
Mr. Henriquez explained that the exhibition was a visual representation of his experiences in Israel, from the Ambassador’s residence itself to places he often frequents. The paintings included portraits of people in his life, and places, including many pastoral nature scenes.
Mr. Henriquez was seemingly born for the diplomatic lifestyle. He was born in La Ceiba on the Caribbean Coast of Honduras and grew up in New Orleans. He moved from New York to London with his spouse, David Quarrey, and then they moved to Israel when Quarrey assumed the post of Ambassador to Israel.
It was in London that Henriquez began really devoting himself to his artistic side, training for two years at the London Fine Arts Studios on Lavender Hill, London. He noted that he began painting at the age of 40, the same as Winston Churchill. As a non-native Londoner, he believes that art and literature helped him connect with his new environment, and gave him a deeper understanding of British society. Upon arriving in Israel he continued with his passion, spending two years at the art studio of Yossi Mark at the Petach Tikva Museum of Art.
Henriquez told Diplomacy that:
“With "Artist in Residence" I wanted to share part of my experience in Israel including aspects of life at the British Ambassador's Residence, which is timeless, a home and a stage for public events; how I got to know about the country through some of the people I connected with, the colors of the land.
Having a solo art exhibition was a dream come true. As an artist, I always visualized having an art show but it was actually Dana Bernstein from the British Embassy who first suggested out loud that I should have an art show. It instantly made sense since people often ask what my experience in Israel is like. I decided to show through my art, part of my journey of exploring and making lasting connections.”
In addition to Henriquez’s own work, the exhibition included that of others, such as Mrs. Nora Mihaylova, the wife of the ambassador of Bulgaria to Israel. After this auspicious start, Henriquez is already planning another exhibition for January, which will showcase a different style.
Diplomacy congratulates Mr. Henriquez and all those who were involved in such a wonderful endeavor.
Photos by Silvia Golan
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- Written by Silvia G Golan
The President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, has arrived in Israel in order to reinforce the economic relations between the two countries. During the visit, a bilateral free-trade agreement will be signed for the first time between Panama and Israel. This is the first agreement of its kind to be signed by Israel with any country in Latin America.
During his visit, President Varela will be accompanied by the Vice President of Panama, Isabel Saint Malo, Augusto Arosemena, the Minister of Commerce & Industry; the Minister of Agriculture Development, Enrique Charles, as well as a delegation of businessmen.
A special economic event held at the Hilton Hotel in Tel Aviv, at the invitation of the President of Panama, for the purpose of exposing Panama to investments. Panama's Ambassador to Israel, Mrs. Adis Urieta Vega, advised that among the subjects which were presented at the Conference are: cyber protection, tourism, medical devices, clean technology, and water.
The president of Panama, H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez, visited Israel for several high-level meetings, and to advance diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Varela at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. They held both a private meeting and an expanded meeting with their entourages. During the meetings, the following were signed:
* A bilateral free trade agreement – The agreement will lift restrictions on trade between Israel and Panama, in both directions, and enable free trade.
* A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on establishing a center for agricultural excellence in Panama. Israel will establish in Panama a center that will combine Israeli technologies and training. This would be the first such center in Latin America and is expected to significantly assist agriculture in Panama.
During his visit, President Varela visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, toured the Holocaust History Museum, participated in a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, visited the Children's Memorial, and signed the Yad Vashem Guest Book.
As a guest of the Keren Kayemet Le’Israel-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), President Varela planted a tree in the Grove of Nations in Jerusalem as part of his first official visit to Israel. President Varela also requested the help of KKL-JNF in order to plant a forest the size of “one million hectares”in Panama, utilizing the professional knowledge and international experience KKL-JNF holds in the field of forestation.
In addition, President Varela and his wife Mrs. Lorena Castilla de Varela joined Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and his wife Nehama for a dinner in their honor at the President’s residence.
Panama is located in the center of the American continent, which makes this a strategic location. Panama has a sophisticated banking system, has had a fully-dollarized economy (since 1904), a sympathetic government and extensive trade relations with the entire continent. It is considered to be the Latin investment capital. The expansion of the Canal and the establishment of the Diamond Exchange in the country – are opening up business opportunities in these areas as well. Panama has the second largest free-trade zone in the world.
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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- Written by Silvia Golan & Steven Aiello
On Tuesday evening, October 9, the Korean embassy in Israel celebrated its national day, with a festive reception at the Embassy in Herzliya. The evening celebrated past and present Korean achievements, marking Korea’s national day with traditional Korean food, a display of Samsung innovations, and a dance performance that mixed the past with the contemporary.
Korean singer Lee DamJi opened the evening by performing the national anthems of both Israel and the Republic of Korea.
H.E. Mr. Choi Yong-hwan then welcomed the guests to Embassy, noting that this year marks 70 years for both Israel and Korea as modern states. The ambassador pointed out that during those 70 years, relations between North and South Korea have been up and down. The ambassador expressed his optimism in light of recent diplomatic developments between the governments of North and South Korea and emphasized his hope for a peaceful future for the Korean peninsula, as well as for Israel.
Ambassador Choi Yong-hwan emphasized the link between Israel and Korea in having robust democracies and market economies, which have led both countries to flourish in the last 70 years. This has also led to closer ties since diplomatic relations between the two countries was established in 1962. The ambassador noted that Korean car-producers (Hyundai and Kia) have been the top two in new car sales in Israel for the last three years, along with the popularity of Samsung and LG phones and other appliances. Acknowledging Israeli technological innovation as well, the ambassador recognized the Korea-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (KORIL-RDF) for its success in raising $57 million in joint funding for R&D projects, as well as a Free Trade Agreement, now in its final stage, that is expected to increase Israeli-Korean economic cooperation even more.
Moving to the cultural side, the ambassador mentioned the annual K-pop contest, now in its 7th year, which is attended by Israeli fans of Korean music. He pointed out that Neta Barzilai, Israel’s Eurovision winner this year, had in fact been inspired by K-pop music with her own winning Eurovision entry. Noting many more opportunities for cultural sharing, such as food and cosmetics, the ambassador cited a Korean expression, which translates to “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
Minister of Regional Cooperation Tsachi Hanegbi spoke on behalf of the Israeli government. The minister noted that although the countries are geographically far, they are close in many other ways, with shared values and similar stories of perseverance over adversity.
The minister reiterated the success of both Korean and Israeli technological innovation, of free trade between the two nations, and of joint technological research ventures. He also remarked upon the rise in tourism, with a 20% increase in Korean visits to Israel in the last year. Finally, minister Hanegbi noted the cooperation between the two countries in the area of national security and military defense technology. The minister finished his remarks by offering congratulations, and his blessings for peace and prosperity in Korea.
Following the speeches, guests enjoyed a contemporary dance performance, itself a collaboration between an Israeli and Korean dancer, who acted out a traditional Korean fairy tale. Traditional Korean dishes were then served for dinner.
Along with numerous members of the Israeli and international diplomatic corps, the distinguished guests in attendance included Major General (Res.) and former ambassador Matan Vilnai;Honorary Consul of France Nathalie Mimoun; Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, head of the Israeli Center for Young Leaders and the Israel School for Young Ambassadors; Ambassador Meron Reuven, Chief of Protocol for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Lihi Yariv-Laor, former head of the department of Asian studies at Hebrew University (which offers Israel’s only BA in Korean studies);Ehud Rassabi, Chairman of the Board of Ilan, the Israel Foundation for Handicapped Children; Samsung Managing Director Koh and business manager Daniel Rhee, and Dan Crivolotti of YONACO - Korea business experts.
Diplomacy.co.il offers congratulations to the embassy of the Republic of Korea on this important anniversary, and best wishes for years of peace and prosperity.
Photo Silvia Golan
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Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr.Nestor Alejandro Rosa Navarro , Ambassador of Uruguay to Israel.
President Rivlin to Russian Ambassador: “Without security, we will never be able to move the process forward.”
President Reuven Rivlin received, during a ceremony this morning (Monday) at his residence, the diplomatic credentials of the new ambassadors to Israel from Uruguay, Russia, Slovenia, El Salvador, and Albania.
First to present his credentials was new Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Nestor Alejandro Rosa Navarro. The President welcomed him and said, “The relationship between Uruguay and the Zionist movement goes back over 100 years. And we appreciate that Uruguay was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel.” He added, “We also appreciate greatly the firm stand Uruguay has taken against the violence and incitement against Israel.”
Ambassador Navarro responded by thanking the President and said, “The warm relationship between our two people has a long history, and we are committed to working to deepen the good relations between us through economic and cultural cooperation.”
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr.Alexander Petrovich Shein , Ambassador of Russia to Israel.
The Ambassador of Russia H.E. Mr. Alexander Petrovich Shein was next to present his diplomatic credentials to the President. President Rivlin began, “I want to express my deepest sympathies to the families of those who perished in the plane disaster in the Sinai. Our thoughts with their families and all the Russian people at this time.” He went on to add, “We live in a small world, where an event in one region can affect the world. We understand Russia’s strategic concerns, while we need to be aware of all that is going on around us. The name of the game is security - without security, we will never be able to move the process forward.”
Russian Ambassador Shein thanked the President for his welcome and noted, “President Putin sees Israel as a very important partner in the Middle East, and Russia is keen to widen our bilateral relations with Israel – there is much potential for cooperation in the areas of hi-tech, culture, agriculture, and more.”
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mrs.Barbara Susnik , Ambassador of Slovenia to Israel.
Following, Ambassador of Slovenia H.E. MS. Barbara Susnik presented her diplomatic credentials to the President, who congratulated her on her appointment and said, “We greatly appreciate the good relations between our countries, and we are proud to have been among the first nations to recognize Slovenia’s independence.”
Ambassador Susnik expressed her condolences over the passing of Fifth President of Israel Yitzhak Navon, and spoke with the President about the historic and significant friendship between Israel and Slovenia.
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Werner Matias Romero Guerra, Ambassador of El Salvador to Israel.
Next, Ambassador of El Salvador H.E. MR. Werner Matias Romero Guerra, presented his diplomatic credentials, and said, “Throughout the years, Israel has been by our side, through good and bad times. It is a great honor for me to represent my country in Israel, and work to strengthen our bilateral ties in many fields.”
Photo President Rivlin welcoming H.E DR. Bardhyl Canaj , Ambassador of Albania to Israel.
Finally, Ambassador of Albania, H.E. DR. Bardhyl Canaj presented his diplomatic credentials to the President and invited the him to visit Albania, noting that the President was “well known in Albania and the media followed his activities and statements closely.” The President thanked him for the invitation, and wished him much success in his new role.
Photo Kobi Gideon /GPO
