Jerusalem, 6 December, 2021 (TPS) — Monday, President Isaac Herzog received the credentials of the new ambassadors of the European Union, Switzerland, Rwanda, and Italy upon the assumption of their ambassadorial duties to Israel. The incoming ambassadors were welcomed by the Police Band playing their respective national anthems and an IDF honor guard, after which they presented their letters of credence to the President in the Great Hall of the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
The first ambassador to present his credentials was from the Swiss Confederation, H.E. Mr. Urs Bucher. President Herzog and the Swiss Ambassador discussed ways to promote Israeli-Swiss collaboration in the fields of science and innovation. President Herzog said, “The relationship with Switzerland is on a very positive path.” The President praised Switzerland’s global role as a mediator and requested its support in bringing Israeli MIAs and civilian hostages back from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip.
The second ambassador to present his credentials was from the EU, H.E. Mr. Dimiter Tzantchev, a former deputy foreign minister of Bulgaria, who is returning for his third diplomatic posting in Israel. The President and Ambassador Tzantchev spoke of the importance of advancing Israel-EU cooperation. The President said, “I am a true believer in the partnership with the European Union; I think it’s the natural partnership for Israel.” The President also stressed the importance of convening the EU-Israel Association Council in order to realize the full potential of Israeli-European ties.
Ambassador Tzantchev underlined the EU’s support for normalization agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbors, and the President stressed the importance of a tough EU line in negotiations with Iran to stop it from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The third ambassador was from the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Mr. James Gatera. The President thanked the Ambassador for Rwanda’s support for Israel’s accession to the African Union as an observer state. Ambassador Gatera invited Israeli investment in Rwanda, stressing that with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Israeli companies trading from Rwanda will be able to enjoy tariff-free access across the continent.
The fourth was the Ambassador from the Italian Republic, H.E. Mr. Sergio Barbanti. The President and Ambassador Barbanti praised the strength of relations between Italy and Israel and discussed ways to promote matters of importance to both nations. The President also addressed regional affairs and urged Italy to discover economic opportunities in the momentum toward normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors.