Jerusalem, 19 September, 2023 (TPS) — President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday morning received the diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel from Côte d’Ivoire, Peru, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Brazil, in a series of official ceremonies held at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. One issue raised with several of the new ambassadors was the continuing threat that Iran poses not only to Israel’s very existence, but to the entire world.
Upon their arrival, each ambassador was welcomed by an IDF honor guard along with the playing of their respective nation’s national anthem. After the presentation of their diplomatic credentials, the President met with each ambassador personally along with their delegation, after which each signed the official guest book.
Each ceremonial presentation of the ambassadors’ diplomatic credentials was concluded with the playing of Israel’s national anthem, “HaTikva”.
First to present his diplomatic credentials to President Herzog Tuesday was the incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Fe’ni Kouakou. During their conversation, the President said, “The relations between our countries are excellent and we have built historic cooperation that stems from the love of the Bible, the love of humanity, and the pursuit of peace. I hope that together we can advance the relations between our countries.”
The Ambassador extended an invitation on behalf of the President of Côte d’Ivoire for President Herzog to visit his country.
Second to present his diplomatic credentials to the President was the Ambassador from Peru, Manuel Sousa Velazquez. President Herzog welcomed him and said, “My three sons enjoyed traveling in your country. I had a good conversation with your President last week, and I wish you great success in your position.”
President Herzog then received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador from Cyprus, Kornelios S. Korneliou. The President spoke with the Ambassador about the ongoing efforts to expand cooperation in the field of energy, and sent his warm greetings to the President of Cyprus. He also noted that the strategic relations between Israel and Cyprus were an example for the region.
Cyprus, along with Greece, joined Israel in a tripartite agreement for the advancement of economic, cultural and defense ties between their nations. Israel recently sent firefighters to that Island nation in the eastern Mediterranean to help put out wildfires that raged their over the summer.
Later, the incoming Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Simon Walters, presented his diplomatic credentials to the President. President Herzog welcomed him and said, “Britain has an important standing in the Middle East. There are many areas for our governments to discuss – chief among them the issue of Iran.”
Warning the world about the threat that Iran poses to the security of the entire world, from its support for terrorism and the possibility that its nuclear program might be a success, making the country a nuclear power, has been at the top of Israel’s diplomatic agenda for years.
For his part, the British ambassador emphasized, “Iran is not only a threat to the Middle East, but a threat to the entire world. The British Government’s position regarding Iran has been very firm.”
Next, the new Ambassador of France, Frederic Journes, presented his diplomatic credentials to the President. President Herzog emphasized, “The challenges facing our country, among them Hezbollah’s activity in Lebanon and Iran’s refusal to cooperate with IAEA inspectors, must be a red alert for your government.”
“I had the pleasure of receiving New Year (Rosh Hashanah) greetings from your President,” he added. “Please convey to him my sincere thanks. There is a deep and historical connection between our countries and peoples,” and recalled, “my late great grandfather was the Chief Rabbi of Paris.”
The Ambassador noted, “The relationship between our countries is like no other. It is an intellectual and strategic friendship.”
He was followed by the incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland, Sonya McGuinness, who presented her diplomatic credentials to the President. President Herzog congratulated the Ambassador and said, “Ireland and Irish culture are deeply respected in Israel, and you can do much to promote relations between our peoples.”
Last to present his diplomatic credential was the new Ambassador of Brazil, Frederico Meyer. The President noted: “Brazil is a popular and beloved country among the Israeli public.” He added, “We would be happy to host your leadership in Israel and assist in promoting trade and diplomatic relations between our countries.”
