Israeli ambassador presents his credentials in New Zealand
Shemi Tzur has presented his credentials marking the re-establishment of Israel’s diplomatic presence in New Zealand to New Zealand’s Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand.
A traditional welcome for Shemi Tzur
J-Wire publishes the text of his presentation in full:
Your Excellency, Tena Koe. I have the honour to present to you the Letter of Credence which President of the state of Israel Shimon Peres has addressed to Your Excellency, accrediting me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to New Zealand; I also have the honour to present the Letter of Recall of my predecessor.
Indeed, I am very excited to be here with you today and I am sure that you will understand how I feel now.
The reopening of our Embassy reflects the importance that Israel attaches to its relations with New Zealand. In spite of the enormous geographical distance between our two small countries, we do share common values – an enterprising spirit, a love for our land, the strong belief in freedom and democracy and the desire for a peaceful world based on tolerance and mutual respect. Israel is well aware of and values the important role that New Zealand plays in the international arena exhibited by its continuing involvement in peacekeeping missions worldwide including its peacekeeping operation in the Sinai – Currently headed by New Zealand Brigadier General Warren Whiting. We certainly believe in the huge potential that both our nations have to develop our commercial and cultural ties, as well as direct people-to-people contact between Israelis and New Zealanders.
Prior to coming to New Zealand I had the pleasure to meet Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Murray McCully during his recent visit to Israel. The minister received a very warm welcome in Israel and participated in the ceremony in which the New Zealand – Israel Working Holiday Scheme was signed. This initiative will bring our young people closer together and will contribute to a better mutual understanding. Such dialogue and interaction will promote friendship among Israelis and New Zealanders. As Ambassador here, I certainly look forward myself to enjoying the magnificent beauty of your lovely country.
Your Excellency,
This year we are celebrating the 62nd anniversary of Israel’s independence and accomplishments by honouring Theodor Herzl – the visionary of the State of Israel – who stated: “if you will it, it is no dream.” Indeed the rebirth of our nationhood in 1948 led during the following years to the emergence of a thriving, modern and pluralistic society. There is much more to Israel than just the political issues one would hear about in the news, and as Ambassador of Israel I will be doing my utmost to share with New Zealanders what my country is really all about.
Your Excellency, I wish to express my gratitude to all of you for the warm welcome extended to us from the moment of our arrival to your country. I can assure you, Excellency, that I will work very hard to bring our two nations closer together.
No Reira, tena koe your Excellency. Shalom and thank you.
