(Communicated by the Office of the President) 

President Shimon Peres, today (Tuesday, 4 February 2014), delivered a speech at the 'Outstanding Exporter Prize' award ceremony and said: "Economic sanctions and foreign aid are today central tools in international relations. Israel must maintain its scientific standard and positive relations with the global world. We always have been and always will be a nation that searches for peace. After making peace with Egypt and Jordan we are in negotiations with the Palestinians. Secretary Kerry was committed to this alongside the US with the agreement of both parties, Israel and the Palestinians, and is supported by the world. We thank him for his efforts and express our support to him and are all awaiting a positive outcome. He continuously stresses that the result must be acceptable to both sides, he came here to bridge between us and not to struggle with us." 

At the beginning of his remarks President Peres sent his condolences to the family of Capt. Tal Nachman and said, "I send my condolences to the family of Capt. Tal Nachman who died earlier this morning during an operation on the Gaza border" 

President Peres delivered his remarks at the "Outstanding Exporter" prize award ceremony, in which awards were given to Ormat Technologies, Conduit, Enzymotec, ADIN Dental Implant Systems, Moroccan Oil Israel, Aromor Flavors and Fragrance, Hlavbin Industry, Andrea Messika Ltd and Amiad Corps.