President Reuven Rivlin met with Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen today, (Thursday, 11 October) for a working lunch.

At the beginning of the meeting, the president thanked the prime minister for his hospitality, and said: “the relations between the two countries is very important to me. We already cooperate on a wide range of issues – counter-terrorism, homeland security, cyber and innovation and I believe we can do even more. Democracy, diversity and freedom of expression – these values are dear to both the Israeli and the Danish peoples. That is how we build economic and social prosperity. Denmark plays an active and important role in the international coalition for the stability of the region. It is good to know we have friends like you to stand with us”

During their meeting, they discussed regional issues the two countries are dealing with. President Rivlin thanked Prime Minister Rasmussen for initiating the events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the rescue of the Jews of Denmark, and for personally taking part in them. “This is an important message in the context of the need to oppose the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and as support for Israel. Denmark is a positive role model in Europe and we are deeply appreciative of your support for the bilateral relationship,” he said.

The president expressed his thanks for Danish understanding of the challenges Israel faces on its southern and northern borders and stressed that we ask Denmark to stand with Israel in EU and international fora in the face of sustained discrimination and against anti—Israel initiatives. 

On the question of Gaza, President Rivlin said that “The world must demand answers from Hamas about our boys who they are keeping prisoner. They, who continually complain about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, are ignoring basic humanitarian principles by holding them hostage.” The president also discussed the cases of Hadar Goldin ז"ל and Oron Shaul ז"ל.

The president stressed his appreciation for Denmark’s sustained support for efforts to bring stability to the Middle East and in the war against ISIS and told the prime minister of his demand that the EU adopts a similar line in its policy regarding Iran.