(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)

President Reuven and First Lady Nechama Rivlin on Monday morning (7 March 2016) hosted an official welcome ceremony for President of Romania, H.E. Mr. Klaus Iohannis and his wife Mrs. Carmen Iohannis at the President's Residence, marking the beginning of their state visit to Israel. The President and First Lady welcomed their guests on the red carpet before the playing of the national anthems, after which both Presidents reviewed a guard of honor. The Presidents then went on to deliver statements, before holding a working meeting during which they discussed the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries.

In his remarks to the media, President Rivlin welcomed President Iohannis and praised the warm relationship between the two countries. He said, "In the last decades, there have been many advancements in the relationship between our countries, w evidenced in the wealth of cooperation between us; in trade, in science, in economics, and a range of other fields. I want to thank you for the support you have displayed, on more than one occasion, for Israel and for the strengthening of the ties between us. Israel would be especially pleased to widen our cooperation in the fields of cyber, agriculture, healthcare, and industrial development."

The President stressed Israel's concern regarding regional developments in the Middle East, key among them the threat of Iran. He said, "Iran represents a significant danger to the well-being of Israel, directly and indirectly. Just a week ago, one of Iran's leaders voiced his forceful rejection of the State of Israel's very right to exist. Such threats serve to deepen the concern throughout the Middle East, and continue to position Iran as an insidious threat to regional stability."

The President concluded by thanking the President of Romania for his country's efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, and against antisemitism, and said, "I want to express my appreciation to Romania for its role as president of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. I am certain that you will continue to act, and remain dedicated, to facing the many challenges of the phenomena of antisemitism, racism, and hatred."

President Iohannis thanked the President for the warm welcome, and spoke about the strong bond between the two states, and the importance of safeguarding Israel's security. "Romania places special importance on its relationship with the State of Israel, and this visit is aimed at both honoring the history of our relations, and at looking to the future. The continuous relationship is based on a history of 68 years of shared values and traditions which continue to develop. The discussions we will hold during my visit will strengthen further our relations, and the political and economic dialog between us. I have come here with a desire to open up new areas of cooperation in research and information technology, where I believe we have tremendous potential. We understand that the safeguarding of Israel's security is essential, significant, and not up for comprise. The fight against terror demands of us, of Romania, determination. We are part of the alliance against the Islamic State out of  the understanding of the need to stand up against terrorism and achieve the common goal of global peace and prosperity."

President Iohannis went on to speak of the importance Romania saw in education and commemoration of the Holocaust, and said, "Tomorrow Romania is due to receive the chairmanship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. This exhibits our commitment to the past and the memory of the Holocaust, and the struggle against anti-Semitism and hatred. Romania considers this role a responsibility and an honor, and it is my hope we play a central role in our region in the commemoration of the Holocaust, and the fight against anti-Semitism. I am greatly optimistic toward the future cooperation between our countries, and am very pleased to be here."

The two Presidents then went on to hold an extended meeting in which they discussed in greater depth the efforts to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

Later this evening, the President and First Lady Rivlin will host a state dinner at their residence in honor of the visit by the President and First Lady of Romania.