(Communicated by the Office of the President)

President Shimon Peres today (Thursday, 8 August 2013) received the credentials of five new ambassadors to Israel:

• Swedish Ambassador H.E. Mr. Carl Magnus Nesser
• Colombian Ambassador H. E. Dr. Fernando Alzate Donoso
• Australian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Devanand ( Dave ) Noel Sharma
• Danish Ambassador H.E. Mr. Jesper Vahr
• Papua New Guinea Ambassador H.E. Ms. Winnie Anna Kiap
  

During their meetings with the President, the ambassadors welcomed the opening of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians: "We bring from our countries support for the opening of peace negotiations. We will be happy to see progress in nine months time and the signing of a permanent agreement between Israel and the Palestinians that will put an end to a process that has continued for decades." President Peres emphasized that Israel is committed to peace: "The opening of negotiatinos is the first and most important step in the process between Israel and the Palestinians, for which we thank US Secretary of State Kerry."

The ambassadors also spoke of broading economic cooperation between Israel and their countries. To the Swedish ambassador's request for advice, President Peres replied: "My best advice is to invest in Israel. My residence is open to you to foster cooperation between our countries in all areas."