​(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
 
President Reuven and First Lady Nechama Rivlin this evening (Monday, 9 January 2017) attended a State Dinner in honor of their visit to Georgia, hosted by President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili, at the Presidential Palace.
 
President Rivlin thanked his host for the warm welcome, and reiterated the importance of the international community standing together. He said, “We know - now more than ever - democracies must work together with full cooperation against common challenges:  from climate change, to global terror, and regional threats. And when it comes to terror, we sadly know the pain and the heavy price we pay for our independence, and values of democracy and freedom. From here, I know you join me in sending my prayers to the families of those killed, and all the injured from the terror attack in Jerusalem on Sunday.”
 
President Margvelashvili welcomed the President and said, “This is not just the visit of a head of state whom we greatly appreciate. This is the visit of the president of a people who played a part in building the integrity and values of our people. We are marking today shared values, and many years of ties. I mentioned today my condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the terror attack yesterday. We stand beside you, and offer you strength.”
 
Tomorrow, the President is due to meet with leaders of Georgia’s Jewish community and lay a wreath at the national memorial, before returning back to Israel.