World leaders wish Israel a happy 72nd Independence Day
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin have received greetings from world leaders in honour of Israel’s 72nd Independence Day, lauding the ties between the Jewish State and countries around the world.
Photo: Eitan Elhadez/TPS
Governor-General David Hurley of Australia wrote of the “closeness of the bilateral relationship”, adding “the solidarity of the international community is more important than ever as the world’s nations work together to manage the challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus.”
In his letter, US President Donald Trump noted that “it gives me tremendous pride that the United States was the first country to recognize the newly re-established Jewish state in 1948.”
He also highlighted the US’ opening of its Embassy in Jerusalem, “exactly seven decades to the day after Prime Minister Ben Gurion declared Israel’s independence.”
“This achievement has been one of many significant actions by my Administration to rebuild the US-Israel relationship. This special relationship is built on our deeply rooted shared values. Israel is one of America’s closest partners, and I look forward to continuing the productive US-Israel relationship in the coming year,” he wrote.
He further commended “our continuing close collaboration to protect our people and defeat” the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic “together.”
Russian President Putin lauded Russia and Israel’s “traditionally friendly relations.”
“Our countries established substantive political dialogue as well as mutually beneficial cooperation in the spheres of trade and economy, science and technology, humanitarian and other fields,” he said in his letter.
“I am convinced that further strengthening of the whole range of bilateral ties entirely meets the core interests of the peoples of Russia and Israel, corresponds with ensuring stability and security in the Middle East,” he added.
Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky expressed his “fascination by the impressive Israelis’ achievements in building a democratic prosperous country.”
“I am convinced that all the progress became possible primarily because of the unity of the Jewish people during the troubled times of dangers and threats. For Ukraine, Israel – our true friend and reliable partner – is an extremely important example. I am sure that under your leadership the national unity government of Israel will successfully overcome the modern challenges caused by the global coronavirus pandemic,” he said in the missive.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban wrote that he was “particularly grateful” for Netanyahu’s initiatives that “enabled our experts and companies to unite their efforts in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its effects. I can assure you that we are looking forward to continuing the development of Israeli-Hungarian relations with your upcoming fifth government as well.”
Queen Elizabeth II conveyed her “warmest greetings” and her “best wishes for the people of Israel at this difficult time”.
President Xi Jinping of China sent “sincere congratulations and best wishes” to the “friendly Israeli government and people.”
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany, who had planned a state visit to Israel to coincide with Yom Haatzmaut, wrote “to my great regret, I have to write these congratulations to you in a letter and I cannot celebrate Yom Haatzmaut together with you in your beautiful country. I so wanted to celebrate the day together with the Israeli people. Be sure that this is only a postponement, and that I will take the first opportunity to visit you and your country again.”
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands wished “the people of Israel strength, courage and health as together we continue our efforts to overcome coronavirus.”
President Moon Jae-in of South Korea sent best wishes “for the everlasting prosperity of the State of Israel.”
President Ram Nath Kovind of India sent his “best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Israel.”
President Nicos Anastasiades of Cyprus wrote of “the close friendship between our two countries, both in times of ease and times of challenge,” wishing the people of Israel “be blessed with peaceful, healthy and prosperous times.”
President Sergio Mattarella of Italy conveyed his “heartfelt wishes for a happy future for our friends the Israeli people.”
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phravajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand conveyed his “sincere congratulations and best wishes.”
President Katerina Sakellaropoulou of Greece sent “warm wishes for the prosperity, progress and welfare of the friendly People of Israel.”
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria expressed his “hope and prayer that our collective efforts to find a cure to the deadly disease would yield results in no distant future.”
From the US House of Representatives, the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus congratulated Israel not only on its “remarkable achievements and contributions to the world, but also the shared values that have sealed the friendship between the United States and the State of Israel for so many decades.”
Rivlin received letters from heads of state, ambassadors, heads of Jewish communities and Jewish organizations from around the world, including Albania, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cote D’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Myanmar, Nepal, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Vietnam, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
TPS
One country’s name was conspiculously absent from this list. Does anyone know if New Zealand’s Governor General or Prime Ministeror or Leader of the Opposition sent greetings to President Rivlin?