(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
President Reuven Rivlin today (Sunday 1 September 2019), held a working meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, who is visiting Israel. A delegation of Ethiopian ministers who are accompanying the prime minister also participated in the meeting, as did MKs Pnina Tamano-Shata and Gadi Yevarkan.
The president began the meeting by commenting on developments in the north, with a message for Hezbollah: “All those who seek to harm us should know that we are ready and willing to defend Israel's citizens wherever they are, without hesitation. We also say to them that we are prepared and do not want to show just how well-prepared we are. You should know that the border can only be quiet if it is on both of its sides."
The president welcomed the prime minister and the delegation of ministers accompanying him on his visit to Jerusalem, which is happening about a year after the president's visit to Ethiopia: "It is here that the deep friendship began between our peoples, when King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba met three thousand years ago. My visit to your beautiful country last year convinced me that we share not only an ancient past, but also a bright future,” said the president.
President Rivlin thanked Prime Minister Abiy for his personal friendship and support that has strengthened the relations between the two countries. He noted that expanding cooperation across the African continent could bring great benefits to all the peoples of Africa.
“Mr President, it is a particular honor and pleasure to be here with you,” said the prime minister. “Thank you for your warm welcome and friendship. Our two peoples have a long-standing relationship, and we are joined by the living bridge of the Ethiopian-Israeli community here. My president hopes that you will meet again in the near future.”
At the end of the meeting, the president expressed his wishes that the Ethiopian new year would be good and successful and added: "My hope and prayer is that it will be a year of even greater friendship and cooperation between us."