(Communicated by the Deputy Foreign Minister's Bureau)

On Sunday, 1 November 2015, Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely spoke to the new cadets at the opening of the 32nd Cadet Course of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and said:

"Claims that Israel is diplomatically isolated are incorrect and misleading. The State of Israel is accessing key new markets around the world. For example, relations with India and Japan are rapidly expanding in recent years due to great admiration of Israel's hi-tech sector and innovative start-up scene.

Israel of 2015 is strong diplomatically. Your role is to continue to develop Israel's foreign relations while deflecting the voices of delegitimization that strive to harm Israel's moral standing in the world.

The State of Israel emerged as an historical wonder, a nation that renewed its culture and returned to its land. We must emphasize our role in advancing 'Tikun Olam' [Hebrew: "repairing the world"], and continue to exemplify innovation in every possible field."

The Deputy Foreign Minister noted that this cadet course is the most feminine in the Ministry's history, with a majority of women cadets, and emphasized that she sees this as part of Israel's new diplomacy.

She wished the cadets and their families a long and rewarding service in the elite ranks of Israel's diplomatic corps.