(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)
At the start of his meeting today (Tuesday, 12 October 2021) with US Vice President Kamala Harris, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid made the following remarks:
“I am pleased to be here with one of Israel’s greatest friends in Washington. A leader who has always stood by our side in all important struggles, we could always count on her in the difficult moments.
“The friendship between us is based first and foremost on shared values. Democracy, freedom, human rights, respect for those who are different from you. No matter where you come from.
“Even when there are disagreements between us, I know we have a common goal - to see Israel strong, secure and prosperous. We also believe that the Palestinians are entitled to quality of life, economy, education and hope.
“The dialogue between us is always based on facts. We met in Israel when you came to see the difficulties with your own eyes, to understand the complexities. You know us, we know you, and that explains the strength of the relationship.
“The focus of my visit is the Iranian nuclear issue, but it also deals with one additional issue: strengthening the bi-partisan connection with the next generation of young Americans.
“This generation is concerned not only with wars and conflicts, but also with the climate crisis, the global immigration crisis, in questions of identity.
“To build the friendship between us for the next hundred years we need to explore these issues together, and jointly design a new world architecture.
"Madam Vice President, thank you for the friendship, thank you for the sincerity and thank you for many years of support for Israel's security and Israeli democracy."