New ambassadors from Thailand, Nepal, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Spain and Fiji presented their credentials today (Wednesday, 11 July 2012) to President Shimon Peres.

 

 

The five new ambassadors thanked the president for the honor of serving in Israel and for the chance of contributing to the strengthening of the strategic relationship with their countries. The president wished the ambassadors good luck and stated: “Israel is a friendly country and I have no doubt that you will feel at home here. I am certain that you will make a real contribution in expanding the cooperation, the friendship and the relationship between Israel and your countries in many fields of endeavor.”

 

A special moment was noted during the ceremony when the new ambassador of Fiji marked a special custom by kneeling before the president to present his credentials. In his meeting with the Thai ambassador, President Peres expressed his appreciation of Thailand’s struggle with terror, and stated that “Thailand is a paradise for tourists from all over the world. Terrorists must not be permitted to sabotage tourism to the country, and the Thai security forces are indeed making worthy efforts to ensure this.” The Thai ambassador thanked the president, and expressed his thanks for Israeli assistance to Thailand. The ambassador added that “Israeli aid to Thailand after last year’s floods greatly contributed to the rehabilitation.”

 

President Peres said to the Nepali ambassador that “Nepal is an attraction for young Israelis who are captivated by its charms.” The ambassador thanked the president, and stated that “Nepal is grateful for the support and aid provided by Israel in the fields of education and agriculture, and invites Israeli investors to take advantage of business opportunities in Nepal.”