(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Swiss President Guy Parmelin today (Thursday, 28 October 2021), at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations especially in innovation, science and development.
Prime Minister Bennett presented the Israeli view on the Iranian threat and asked that Switzerland, as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, press for decisive steps against Iranian progress in their nuclear project.
Prime Minister Bennett shared Israel's success in fighting the coronavirus and noted that Israel would be pleased to share its insights with Switzerland.
Innovation and Science Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen also attended the meeting.
Following are Prime Minister Bennett's remarks:
"I am pleased to welcome to Israel the President of Switzerland, Guy Parmelin, here in Jerusalem today.
“Relations between Israel and Switzerland have deep roots. The historic first Zionist Congress was held in Basel in 1897. In subsequent years, Switzerland hosted a further fourteen sessions of the Congress until Israel’s independence in 1948. Yet as we reflect on our past, today we look optimistically towards our future.
“This morning, the President and I spoke about the vast opportunities to expand our bilateral relations and cooperation between our countries in economy, in innovation, primarily innovation, in science, security and health projects. I think there is a lot that we're doing but we can do much more.
“Both Israel and Switzerland are relatively small countries with populations of similar size, but we both punch above our weight in the global arena and we are both vibrant and colorful countries with deep histories and cultures. Together, we can strengthen and share our values and invest and share goals.
“Mr. President, we're eager to cooperate with Switzerland in many areas, including the global battle against COVID-19, in which both Israel and Switzerland have acquired considerable expertise and we gladly can learn from you and I'm sure vice versa. I think in the future we are going to see more pandemics and it's something the world has to learn to live with.
“We're also eager to cooperate in business, technology and innovation. Both countries have a lot to offer, specifically in climate change. We understand that this is a big mission for children, for grandchildren, for our future and we can do this together.
“So it's been a pleasure to host you, Mr. President, here in the Jewish State and we hope that when you return to Switzerland, you will take back some fond memories of our people, the land and culture. You definitely need to come back and see Tel Aviv as well. It's part of the lot.
“Mr. President, I thank you for your friendship and look forward to seeing you soon again. Welcome to Israel."
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Swiss President Guy Parmelin today (Thursday, 28 October 2021), at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations especially in innovation, science and development.
Prime Minister Bennett presented the Israeli view on the Iranian threat and asked that Switzerland, as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, press for decisive steps against Iranian progress in their nuclear project.
Prime Minister Bennett shared Israel's success in fighting the coronavirus and noted that Israel would be pleased to share its insights with Switzerland.
Innovation and Science Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen also attended the meeting.
Following are Prime Minister Bennett's remarks:
"I am pleased to welcome to Israel the President of Switzerland, Guy Parmelin, here in Jerusalem today.
“Relations between Israel and Switzerland have deep roots. The historic first Zionist Congress was held in Basel in 1897. In subsequent years, Switzerland hosted a further fourteen sessions of the Congress until Israel’s independence in 1948. Yet as we reflect on our past, today we look optimistically towards our future.
“This morning, the President and I spoke about the vast opportunities to expand our bilateral relations and cooperation between our countries in economy, in innovation, primarily innovation, in science, security and health projects. I think there is a lot that we're doing but we can do much more.
“Both Israel and Switzerland are relatively small countries with populations of similar size, but we both punch above our weight in the global arena and we are both vibrant and colorful countries with deep histories and cultures. Together, we can strengthen and share our values and invest and share goals.
“Mr. President, we're eager to cooperate with Switzerland in many areas, including the global battle against COVID-19, in which both Israel and Switzerland have acquired considerable expertise and we gladly can learn from you and I'm sure vice versa. I think in the future we are going to see more pandemics and it's something the world has to learn to live with.
“We're also eager to cooperate in business, technology and innovation. Both countries have a lot to offer, specifically in climate change. We understand that this is a big mission for children, for grandchildren, for our future and we can do this together.
“So it's been a pleasure to host you, Mr. President, here in the Jewish State and we hope that when you return to Switzerland, you will take back some fond memories of our people, the land and culture. You definitely need to come back and see Tel Aviv as well. It's part of the lot.
“Mr. President, I thank you for your friendship and look forward to seeing you soon again. Welcome to Israel."