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Jamhuri Day came to Israel with the annual celebration hosted by the Embassy of Kenya at the Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv. Diplomats, business and civil society leaders, Kenyans, and friends of the embassy joined the celebration to mark 56 years of the Republic of Kenya.
Jamhuri Day came to Israel with the annual celebration hosted by the Embassy of Kenya at the Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv. Diplomats, business and civil society leaders, Kenyans, and friends of the embassy joined the celebration to mark 56 years of the Republic of Kenya.
The green, red and black of the Kenyan flag adorned the stairs and tables, while large screens showed bright images and videos showcasing Kenya and the Kenya-Israel connection. A large banner highlighted Kenya’s suitability for the 2021-2022 UN Security Council seat.
After hearing the anthems of both countries, H.E. Mr. Samuel Thuita, the ambassador of Kenya to Israel, welcomed the guests and presented his remarks. Ambassador Thuita, in his first Jamhuri Day celebration since arriving in Israel, praised the strong ties between Israel and Kenya. The ambassador noted the historical connection of the two countries, including then Foreign Minister Gold Meir’s visit to Nairobi to establish the first Israeli Embassy in Kenya. Ambassador Thuita also emphasized the Mashav program, through many Kenyans have studied advanced agricultural techniques, health, medicine, and food security in Israel.
Israel’s Minister of Science, Technology and Space, Ofir Akunis, spoke next on behalf of the state of Israel. Minister Akunis noted the rich cooperation between Israel and Kenya in a range of fields such as agriculture, security, trade, health, education, and innovation. The minister quoted Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement “Israel is back in Africa, and Africa is back in Israel” as an indication of Israel’s priorities in bolstering ties with African nations. Kenya’s prominence among them is highlighted by Nentanyahu’s two visits to Kenya in recent years.
Minister Akunis also mentioned the growing commercial relationships, and the role of the private sectors of the two nations. Last year Israel opened a Trade Office at the Israeli Embassy in Kenya to continue facilitating this growth, and Mr. Akunis expressed his hope that there would soon be direct Nairobi-Tel Aviv flights to bring the Israelis and Kenyans closer together.
Minister Akunis concluded his remarks by reiterating congratulations to the people of Kenya, and then Ambassador Thuita and the minister offered a toast to the best wishes of both nations. Following the toast, a lively dance circle began, and the guests were invited to join a lavish dinner.
Among the many distinguished guests in attendance were Ambassador Meron Reuben, chief of state protocol in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; former Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Silvan Shalom; Former Minister of Communications of Israel, Mr. Ayoob Kara; Ambassador of Israel to Kenya, Oded Yosef, Ambassador Yitzhak Eldan, President of the Ambassador’s Club; David Freeman, representative of the Bahá’í International Community; Mr. Ephraim Fortis, Founder, President, and CEO of Open Sky ( Kenya Airlines ); Zvi Herman former director of the Center for International Agriculture & Development Corporation; Carina Baum, CEO and founder of Building Bridges; Alain Mendoza, regional manager at the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute, Orly Spagnul, IMTM business development manager, and an Israeli boy named Kenya.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the Embassy of Kenya in Israel and offers best wishes for the people of Kenya
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
Photos by Silvia Golan
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Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Korea H.E. Mr. Suh Dong Gu
President Rivlin received diplomatic credentials from the new ambassadors of Korea, India, Slovakia, Costa Rica and Sri Lanka to Israel, as they begin their terms of office in Israel
President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Thursday 21 November / 23 Cheshvan, received diplomatic credentials from the new Ambassadors of Korea, India, Slovakia, Costa Rica and Sri Lanka to Israel, as they begin their terms of office in Israel, in an official ceremony at Beit HaNasi. As they arrived, the national anthem of their country was played by the Israel Police Band and then they reviewed an IDF guard of honor. After presenting their letters of credence to the president and an audience in the Jerusalem Room, each ambassador signed the Beit HaNasi visitors’ book and ‘Hatikva’ was played before the end of each ceremony.
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Slovakia H.E. Mr. Igor Mauks
The first to present his credentials to the president was Ambassador Igor Mauks of Slovakia. The president welcomed the ambassador to Israel and expressed his appreciation for Slovakia’s friendship towards Israel and noted that he was delighted to welcome the former president of Slovakia in Israel two years ago. The president also sent his thanks to the president of Slovakia for confirming her attendance at the central event to mark 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, which will take place in Jerusalem in January 2020.
Ambassador Mauks thanked the president for his warm words and invited him to visit Slovakia. He also stressed his country’s fight against antisemitism, saying “Slovakia has zero-tolerance for antisemitism.”
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Costa Rica H.E. Mr. Marco V. Vargas Pereira
Next to arrive was Ambassador of Costa Rica Marco Vinicio Vargas Pereira. In their conversation, the president noted the similarities between the two countries, saying, “Israel and Costa Rica gained independence in 1948 as the only democracies in their region. Today, too, we are small countries that invest in human capital, in our young people, and in education.” The president also spoke to the ambassador about his hopes that the Costa Rican embassy would return to Jerusalem. “I hope you are able to take meaningful steps to bring the embassy back home to Jerusalem.”
The ambassador thanked the president and said that this was his first time in Israel and that he was discovering the beauty of Israel’s varied landscape, and that he had seen a desert for the first time. “I am delighted to be representing Costa Rica here in your beautiful country and hope I am able to advance the good relations even further.”
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Sri Lanka H.E. Mr. Saddha Waruna Wilpatha
Ambassador Saddha Waruna Wilpatha of Sri Lanka then presented his credentials. The president conveyed his warmest wishes to the new president of Sri Lanka, wishing him much success. He also expressed his sorrow over the terrorist attack in Sri Lanka in April of this year. “Israel will continue to stand by Sri Lanka in the global struggle against terrorism, which threatens the security of the whole world.”
Ambassador Wilpatha thanked the president for his remarks and said that his country would welcome a strengthening of relations between the countries in a range of fields and that he would work to do so during his time here.
The next to arrive at Beit HaNasi was the new Korean ambassador, Suh Dong Gu. The president spoke warmly about his recent visit to Korea last July and thanked President Moon for his warm welcome, inviting him to make a return visit to Israel.
“The free trade agreement is an important achievement for both countries. It is the first time we have signed such an agreement with an East Asian country and I am sure it will help build stronger and deeper relations between us,” said the president. “During my visit, I learned that Israel and Korea have much in common: thousands of years of history, few natural resources and security challenges. Israel and Korea became independent states in difficult conditions, but we both overcame challenges.” The president spoke about how impressed he was with Korea’s advanced technologies, as well as its rich and vibrant culture. He said that his visit strengthened his feeling that there is a strong basis for cooperation between the two countries.
The Korean ambassador thanked the president warmly for his remarks, saying “Your successful visit to Korea gave precious momentum to our bilateral ties. I will use that momentum to advance our relations during my time here.” The ambassador also noted the similarities between the two countries, remarking on a shared national character that values family and education. “I was at the opening of the Knesset and thought to myself that Israel is a miracle, just as Korea is a miracle. I think we can bring these miracles together and that technological cooperation between us can help create more miracles.”
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of India H.E. Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Singla
The last to present his credentials to the president was the Ambassador of India, Sanjeev Kumar Singla. The president spoke of his particularly warm memories of his visit to India with his late wife Nechama ז"ל. “I had the honor of hosting former president Mukherjee on his historic visit to Israel and we developed a remarkable friendship. Israel and India cooperate in a wide range of fields, civilian and military. We consider our security cooperation as a strategic asset. I hope our cooperation in this field will keep developing. We know that the question of water is at the top of Prime Minister Modi's agenda and it came up in my visit to India and his visit here. I hope we will continue to push forward our cooperation on this. The opening of Air India's flights over the Gulf and Saudi Arabia is an example of how cooperation between Israel and India can advance peace in the Middle East." The president invited the Indian president to visit Israel, saying "I would be so happy to welcome him here to Jerusalem."
The ambassador thanked the president for his welcome and relayed the warm wishes Prime Minister Modi asked to send to the president. He told the president “the three priorities we hope to work on are water, agriculture, and innovation. Your visit to India helped advance the warm relations between our countries and I hope that during my time here they will develop even further.” He added, “Mr. President, I am happy to tell you that the sapling you planted during your visit to India is now an 8-foot tall tree.”
Photo credit: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)
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Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Ghassan Majali Ambassador of Jordan to Israel
President Rivlin Today Accepts Diplomatic Credentials from New Ambassadors of Croatia, Jordan, the Czech Republic, Egypt, and Mongolia
President Rivlin to the incoming Jordanian Ambassador:
“Next year we will mark the 25th anniversary of our peace treaty. We are determined to live in peace with our neighbors and we are hopeful and optimistic that others will do as you have done.”
Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr.Khaled Azmi Ambassador of Egypt to Israel
President Rivlin to the incoming Egyptian Ambassador:
“We face similar challenges and our military and intelligence cooperation is of strategic importance. Together, we can face the challenges of terrorism and ISIS in Sinai and Gaza better. Under the leadership of your president, Egypt plays a key role in the Arab world as a voice of reason and moderation. We appreciate your efforts towards stability in the region, and particularly with the Palestinians in Gaza.”
President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin this morning, 8 November / 30 Cheshvan, received diplomatic credentials from the new Ambassadors of Croatia, Jordan, the Czech Republic, Egypt and Mongolia to the State of Israel at a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. As each ambassador arrived, their country’s flag was raised and the Israel Police Band played their national anthem. The ambassadors inspected a IDF guard of honor and presented their credentials to the president. After an audience with the president, the new ambassadors signed the guest book and Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, was played at the end of the ceremony.
Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mrs.Vesela Mrđen Korać, Ambassador of Croatia to Israel
The first to present her credentials was the new ambassador of Croatia, Vesela Mrđen Korać. The president welcomed her and said, “I visited Croatia this year and was received warmly. Please send my warm regards to the president and prime minister of your country.” He also said, “as a member of the European Union, Croatia plays a key role in blocking Iranian influence. We must ensure that Iran does not continue to destabilize our region.”
The Croatian ambassador thanked the president for his warm and kind welcome and said, “I had the pleasure of meeting you on your visit to Croatia in July, and we are looking forward to our president’s reciprocal state visit to Israel next year. Our countries have close and strong relations, and we are interested in deepening them even further into a regular dialog. Croatia is a strong friend and ally of Israel at the UN, in NATO and in the European Union.”
The next to present his credentials was the incoming ambassador of Jordan, Ghassan Majali. President Rivlin welcomed him and noted that next year we will mark the 25th anniversary of the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty. “We are determined to live in peace with our neighbors, and we are hopeful and optimistic that others will do as you have done. The good relations between our two countries are a legacy of the leadership of the late King Hussein. Please send my warmest wishes to His Majesty King Abdullah II.”
The president continued: “We appreciate the key role that Jordan plays as an island of stability in our region. But we can still do more to broaden cooperation in areas that impact on both our peoples. We breath the same air and live on the same piece of land. When you lack water, we lack water. We must do more to find ways of confronting these challenges together. Another important project is the ‘Jordan Gateway’ that could link the port of Haifa to Irbid, Amman and Aqaba, and from there to the Arab world, creating thousands of jobs.”
The Jordanian ambassador presented his credentials and he, too, noted the important anniversary of the peace treaty that will be celebrated next year: “We remember the huge efforts made by great leaders, the late King Hussein and the late Yizhak Rabin, who stood firm in the face of all odds,” he added. “King Abdullah believes that the peace treaty is a cornerstone for peace in the region and in the world and that a breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process is a top priority for the Hashemite Kingdom. Thank you for your warm welcome, Mr. President.”
The president added, “We do not only live in the same neighborhood, we are really neighbors. We drink the same water and we breathe the same air. It is time that our two peoples get to know each other better.”
Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Martin Stropnick, Ambassador of Czech to Israel
Following this, the president received the credentials of Martin Stropnick, the new Czech ambassador. “I am so happy you are here. You left a very important position in government to be your country’s ambassador to Israel. That says something about the good relations between our two countries,” he continued and emphasized the excellent bilateral relations between Israel and the Czech Republic and that Israel would be delighted to continue to develop and deepen areas of cooperation. President Rivlin thanked the Czech people for its assistance to the young State of Israel in the war of independence and recalled that the first rifle he handled as a recruit to the IDF was Czech-manufactured. At the end of their conversation, the president stressed the importance of the Czech Republic’s position on Iran. “Israel is a true friend of Israel, supporting us on every issue and in every forum.” The president sent his warmest wishes to President Zeman, who will be visiting Israel soon, to the Czech government and the Czech people.
The Czech ambassador thanked the president and said, “our two peoples have so many areas of cooperation, but I’d like to mention our work together on cyber, on water management and innovation. Lots of Czech tourists already come to Israel, but since my appointment as ambassador to Israel was announced I have found I have lots of new friends, and so I can assure you that the ambassador’s residence will be full, adding even more visitors to Israel,” said the ambassador, smiling.
The next to present his credentials to the president was the incoming Egyptian ambassador, Khaled Azmi. The president began by noting that in a few months time we will mark the 40th anniversary of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. He said he hoped that a way could be found to celebrate the event and to pass on the values of peace and partnership to the next generations. “Since the peace treaty was signed nearly 40 years ago, we have welcomed six Egyptian ambassadors. Now you are the seventh. I wish you success during your time here.”
The president also said, “We face similar challenges and our military and intelligence cooperation is of strategic importance. Together, we can face the challenges of terrorism and ISIS in Sinai and Gaza better. Under the leadership of your president, Egypt plays a key role in the Arab world as a voice of reason and moderation. We appreciate your efforts towards stability in the region, and particularly with the Palestinians in Gaza.”
The Egyptian ambassador thanked the president for his warm welcome and spoke about the anniversary of the peace treaty: “it was an important step and the vision of great statesmen, and it remains a pillar of stability and an example that should be followed around the region. Egypt remains committed to the peace treaty and to bringing peace to the whole region. We are proud of our history, which is a model of tolerance, co-existence, and acceptance.”
The president added: “The Egyptian people play an important role in our region. There are advantages to peace, and ‘no more war’ is not just a phrase. It is important that the two peoples get to know each other.”
Photo: President Rivlin welcoming H.E Mr. Bold Ravdan, Ambassador of Mongolia to Israel. Photo credit: Tomer Reichman (courtesy)
Finally, the president received the credentials of the Mongolian ambassador, Bold Ravdan. “I am pleased that such a distinguished and experienced diplomat is representing Mongolia in Israel,” said the president. “Our two countries cooperate on education and I’m pleased that we have recently extended the cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science.”
“It’s a great honor to represent my government and my people as the Mongolian ambassador to Israel,” said the ambassador. “Israel is a proud and spirited country, and there is great potential for the expansion of our relations. We would be happy to do so,” he said.
Photo credit: Haim Zach, GPO
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- Written by Silvia
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Vietnam, Do Minh Hung.
President Rivlin today accepted diplomatic credentials from new ambassadors to Israel from Vietnam, Nepal, Kenya, and Montenegro
New ambassadors from Vietnam, Nepal, Kenya, and Montenegro presented their credentials today, Thursday 14 February / 9 Adar I, to President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin at the beginning of their term as ambassadors of their countries to the State of Israel, in an official ceremony at Beit HaNasi. As each ambassador arrived, the Israel Police band played the national anthem of their country and the ambassador then reviewed an IDF honor guard. After presenting their diplomatic credentials to the president, the ambassadors signed the guest book and Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem, was played at the end of the ceremony.
The first to present his credentials to the president was the incoming Ambassador of Vietnam, Do Minh Hung. President Rivlin asked the ambassador to send his best wishes to the President of Vietnam, who he met on his state visit to the country two years ago and invited his counterpart to visit Israel. “Relations between our country have grown stronger in the fields of education, agriculture, and defense since my visit to Vietnam,” said the president. “Many Israelis enjoy visiting Vietnam and I am sure that opening up direct flights and signing the free trade agreement can create further opportunities for deepening our relations.”
The Ambassador of Vietnam thanked the president for his warm welcome and said “thank you for your warm words. I will send your best wishes to the President of Vietnam. It is a great honor for me to serve as my country’s ambassador to the State of Israel and I will do all I can to deepen and widen the relations between our two countries.”
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Nepal Anjan Shakya
Following this, Ambassador Anjan Shakya of Nepal presented her credentials to the president. President Rivlin thanked her and noted that next year we will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “We appreciate your contributions to regional security through UNIFIL and UNDOF. It gives you a perspective of the threats we face.” He added, “we see Nepal as a true friend who stands by us, just as we were at your side when you dealt with the terrible earthquake in 2015.”
The Ambassador of Nepal presented her credentials to the president and noted the long friendship between the two countries. “On behalf of the president and the prime minister, I would like to invite you on a state visit to Nepal and send their warmest best wishes. Despite only arriving here a week ago, I can already see that there are many possibilities to widen the cooperation between us in a number of fields, including agriculture, education, health and IT.” The ambassador ended her remarks by saying ‘Shalom v’Toda Raba’ (goodbye and thank you) in Hebrew.
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Kenya, Samuel Ng'ang'a Thuita
Kenya’s new ambassador to Israel, Samuel Ng'ang'a Thuita, was the next to present his credentials to the president, who began by sending his condolences to the people of Kenya on the recent terrorist attack in Nairobi. He then spoke about the growing trade relations between the two countries, saying “we recently opened a trade delegation at the Israeli Embassy in Kenya and we hope to see direct flights between the countries soon. These are good signs and I believe we can do even more to improve relations.”
The ambassador thanked the president, saying “since 1963 when Golda Meir visited Kenya, we have worked together on a range of issues. Once, the focus was agriculture, and now we cooperate on security and counter-terrorism. Israel has a true friend in Kenya.”
Photo: President Rivlin with Ambassador of Montenegro, Ivan Lekovic
The last ambassador to present his credentials was Ivan Lekovic of Montenegro. “Montenegro is a country with a growing economy, and we are proud to support you as friends and allies,” said the president, and wished the country well on joining NATO and its future membership of the European Union. The president thanked the ambassador for his country’s decision to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day and for supporting its Jewish community.
The Ambassador of Montenegro to Israel thanked President Rivlin for his cordial welcome and said, “we are preparing for the exciting and important visit of the President of Montenegro to Israel, who sends his warmest regards. Montenegro, like Israel, has many different cultures and religions. Like you, we believe that the best way to live together is open and respectful dialog. The relations between our two countries are excellent and we cooperate in tourism and cultural and academic exchanges, as well as in the security sphere, and we would be happy to extend this cooperation.”
Photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
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- Written by Silvia Golan & Steven Aiello
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/
