(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
 
President Rivlin today (Wednesday, 17 May 2017), met at his residence with Foreign Minister of Denmark Anders Samuelsen who is on his first visit to Israel.
 
President Rivlin welcomed the Danish Foreign Minister and said, “We know the important role your country is playing in the EU,” and added, “we appreciate your understanding of the values we share, of freedom of speech and that there is no better system than democracy. Sometimes we may have differences of opinion but as friends we can have differences of opinion.”
 
He added, “Iran is very dangerous to us. We can understand why the world wants to give a chance to reach an understanding with Iran, but nevertheless Iran is a real threat to Israel. They are supporting the Shias in the north, Hezbollah, and the Sunnis in Gaza, Hamas. They have become partners.”
 
Speaking on the conflict with the Palestinians, President Rivlin said, “We have lost 100 years, and there are no shortcuts,” and added, “First of all you have to build confidence between Israel and the Palestinians.” He concluded, “We say ‘pray for the peace of Jerusalem’, and we are praying for peace in Jerusalem.”
 
Foreign Minister Samuelson thanked the President for his warm welcome and told him, “This morning, I visited Yad Vashem, which reminds us of the history we must all remember. Part of that history, and we are proud of the fact, is that many of the Jews of Denmark were saved, and this is part of our tight ties.” He added, “When the Synagogue was attacked in Copenhagen, it was a troubling day for Denmark. I attended the funeral of Dan Uzan, he was a hero.”
 
He told the President, “Denmark supports the two state solution, and we really hope we will be able to find a way forward. It is a difficult time, and a difficult time for Israel. We are proud to be part of the coalition fighting against Da’esh.”
 
President Rivlin responded that, “We appreciate that, you are an important part of the coalition.”
 
The Foreign Minister thanked the President and added, “We work together on business and cultural matters, and it is great importance for Denmark that we have this cooperation for our tech industry.”