(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)

President Reuven Rivlin this morning (Thursday 25 February 2016), during an official ceremony at his residence, received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of Egypt to Israel, H.E. Mr. Hazem Ahdy Khairat. His appointment marks the end of a three-year period since November 2012, during which there had not been an Egyptian Ambassador in Israel.

President Rivlin welcomed the Ambassador and said, "I welcome here at the President's house ambassadors from around the world. But it is very special to welcome ambassadors from our close and important neighbors. Egypt is 'Um El Donya', 'mother of the world' and especially in our region Egypt plays a most important role. We live together in a difficult region. We have found a way to live together in peace and friendship. This is a message to the whole region, and the whole world. I was in Egypt during times of war, and I was in Egypt during peace. The peace agreement between our countries is an international treaty and it is for both us, a top priority. We may not agree on everything, but we respect each other and because of this we will build a shared future."

Ambassador Khairat thanked the President for the warm welcome and said, "We must take responsibility for the benefit of those who live in this region, to bring prosperity, justice, hope and equality."

The President wished him success in his new role and said, "I sincerely hope that you and your family will feel at home."

Before departing, the Ambassador signed the official guestbook in Arabic and wrote, "I presented today my letter of credence to his honor President Rivlin. We spoke in a constructive atmosphere regarding the urgent matters and agreed to work together to reach a comprehensive, and just peace in the region."