New Zealand finally has an ambassador to Israel

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A diplomatic dispute came to its end in Jerusalem yesterday when Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin accepted the credentials of New Zealand’s ambassador Jonathan Curr.

President Rivlin receives Ambassador Jonathan Curr’s credentials Photo: Mark Neyman/GPO

Ambassador Curr was prevented from presenting his credentials in September last year when Israel learned that he would also have the role of envoy to the Palestinians which would conflict with Israel’s policy of not accrediting any diplomat assigned to the Palestinian Authority.

The solution to the problem was found when New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry appointed a separate envoy to the PA in February.

Time for a chat

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Jonathan Andrew Curr, who  is based in Turkey, said: “The relationship between Israel and New Zealand is very important to me personally as newly appointed ambassador, but also to the people of New Zealand as a whole.  There is a very deep relationship between our two peoples, and a great amount of cooperation.  We don’t always see things exactly the same way in this region, but our approach has always been to listen to our friends and learn and understand their concerns.  This visit is an opportunity to understand and learn more of Israel’s outlook on developments in the region.”

The President welcome the Ambassador saying: “I have been to New Zealand just once in my life but I will never forget the wonderful people I met there. New Zealand is a model of multiculturalism.  We enjoy very strong relations between our countries, and though there are differences of opinions, as friends, we can agree to disagree.”

The President added, “I would ask you to express to the government in New Zealand, the message that  a solution to the conflict will be possible only through direct negotiations, and not through unilateral moves on the part of our neighbors the Palestinians.”