Jerusalem, Israel - Sept. 19, 2023  - President Isaac Herzog today received the diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel from Côte d'Ivoire, Peru, Cyprus, United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Brazil, in a series of official ceremonies at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Israel.

Upon their arrival, each ambassador was welcomed by an IDF honor guard and the playing of the national anthem of their country, as their flag was raised next to the Israeli and Presidential flags. After presenting their diplomatic credentials, the President met with each ambassador and their delegation, after which they signed the official guest book in various languages with unique messages. Each ceremony was then concluded by the playing of Israel’s national anthem, “HaTikvah.”

First to present his diplomatic credentials to the President in the morning, was the incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Fe'ni Kouakou. During their conversation, the President said: “The relations between our countries are excellent and we have built historic cooperation that stems from the love of the Bible, the love of humanity, and the pursuit of peace. I hope that together we can advance the relations between our countries”.

The Ambassador extended an invitation on behalf of the President of Côte d'Ivoire for President Herzog to visit his country.

Second, to present his diplomatic credentials to the President was the Ambassador of Peru, Manuel Sousa Velazquez. The President welcomed him and said: “My three sons enjoyed traveling in your country. I had a good conversation with your President last week, and I wish you great success in your position.

President Herzog then received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of Cyprus, Kornelios S. Korneliou. The President spoke with the Ambassador about the ongoing efforts to expand cooperation in the field of energy and sent his warm greetings to the President of Cyprus. He noted that the strategic relations between Israel and Cyprus were an example for the region. Also noted and mentioned was the number of flights per day to take the thousands of Israelis to Cyprus on holidays.

The incoming Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Simon Walters, presented his diplomatic credentials to the President speaking in Hebrew. The President welcomed him and said: “Britain has an important standing in the Middle East. There are many areas for our governments to discuss – chief among them the issue of Iran.”

The Ambassador emphasized: “Iran is not only a threat to the Middle East, but a threat to the entire world. The British Government's position regarding Iran has been very firm.”

Next, the new Ambassador of France, Frederic Journes, presented his diplomatic credentials to the President. The President emphasized: “The challenges facing our country, among them Hezbollah's activity in Lebanon and Iran's refusal to cooperate with IAEA inspectors, must be a red alert for your government.”

The President said, “I had the pleasure of receiving New Year (Rosh Hashanah) greetings from your President – please convey to him my sincere thanks. There is a deep and historical connection between our countries and peoples,” and recalled, “my late great grandfather was the Chief Rabbi of Paris.”

The Ambassador noted: “The relationship between our countries is like no other. It is an intellectual and strategic friendship.”

He was followed by the incoming Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland, Sonya McGuinness, who was accompanied by her two daughters as she presented her diplomatic credentials to the President. President Herzog congratulated the Ambassador and said: “Ireland and Irish culture are deeply respected in Israel, and you can do much to promote relations between our peoples.”

Last to present his diplomatic credentials today, was the new Ambassador of Brazil, Frederico Salomao Duque Estrada Meyer. The President noted: “Brazil is a popular and beloved country among the Israeli public.” He added, “We would be happy to host your leadership in Israel and assist in promoting trade and diplomatic relations between our countries.” 

The President's wife, Michal Herzog, was present for the latter ceremonies. Leveraging the Herzog family's strong ties to Ireland and Cyprus, as well as her personal connection to Brazil—where her father served as a diplomat when she was young—she enriched the discussions with her knowledge and insights regarding the mentioned locations

Following the ceremonies at Beit Hanasi a reception was held at the King David Hotel.