(דברים בשם הממשלה בארועי היום הלאומי של קולומביה, ת״א).
(תמונה: פגישה רשמית עם שרי הבריאות והחקלאות של קולומביה, פרננדו רואיז ורודולפו נבארו, משרד הבריאות ירושלים – 8.11.2021).
Your Excellency,
Ambassador MARGARITA E. MANJARREZ HERRERA
Distinguished Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Missions in Israel,
Honored Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening and Buenas Noches – it is an honor and my pleasure to represent the Government and the people of Israel in celebrating Colombia’s 212th independence day, and 65 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
The connection between Colombia and Israel has grown significantly stronger over the past few years and a good example of this is the visit of President Ivan Duque Marquez at the end of 2021, as well as a long list of impressive partnerships that our two countries share, First and foremost the Agreement for a Free Trade Zone and the Office for Innovation in Jerusalem that hosts economic delegations on a frequent basis.
Colombia and Israel share many common interests and goals in the multilateral realm as well, and enjoy a good cooperation in many fields on the global agenda.
Dear Ambassador Herrera, this is the place to thank the President and the Foreign Ministry of Colombia for your support of Israel's stand at the United Nations, for your recognition of the importance of the relentless struggle against antisemitism in all its manifestations.
Colombia and Israel are also partners in the battle against terrorism. Colombia has formally recognized Hizbollah as a terrorist organization since 2020 along with other countries on the continent, such as Argentina and Paraguay. In addition, Colombia contributes hundreds of soldiers to the Multi-National Forces in the Sinai Desert, which serves to oversee the peace agreement signed by Israel and Egypt.
Israel is very proud of the long-standing technological cooperation within the context of MASHAV during which thousands of Colombians have been trained in professional fields. Mashav considers Colombia a high priority country on the international cooperation arena, and is involved in a wide variety of activities, such as agriculture, education and health.
Your Excellency the Ambassador, I ask that you please convey the appreciation of the government and the people of Israel to outgoing president Ivan Duque for his courageous tenure and for his friendship and support for Israel. The broad and strong ties between our two nations are a great way to demonstrate what achievements can be gained in 65 years of diplomatic relationship.
These days Colombia stands before a change of government, and Israel carries its congratulations and wishes for success to the incoming president, Gustavo PETRO. We look forward to continuing with his administration the positive momentum that we have developed between our two countries over the years.
Now, I invite everyone to join me in raising a glass in celebrating the warm relations between our two countries and wishing Colombia a future of peace, stability, security and prosperity.
לחיים
Salud!