R. RIVLIN: Mr. Minister, the Israeli people see what is happening in Greece and share your pain. Greece is the land where democracy was born, and in recent days we have seen the strength of the democratic voice. The real sovereign in every country is the people, and your people made their voice heard. We know that, with God’s help, a solution will be found that is acceptable to all sides. In recent years, the relations between us have grown stronger. We, all of the Israeli people, remember well the assistance you gave us during the disastrous wildfire in the Carmel mountains.
We see that, today, more than ever before, the world is getting smaller. Whatever happens in our region impacts not just neighbouring countries, but all of the peoples of the world. This is true when we are talking about the economy, the environment and threats from fundamentalism. All humanity shares a common future, and we need to work together to try to shape that future together. This is our duty and our responsibility to our children and grandchildren.
Thank you very much.
N. KOTZIAS: First, I want to thank President Rivlin very much for receiving me here today.
We are two peoples who have been living together in this part of the world for many thousands of years. The whole Western world is based on our cultures, history, traditions – only sometimes they are forgetting this.
And I think we have not only a common past, but we will have a common future, in the interest of our peoples.
Thank you very much for having us here. It is a pleasure for me, hearing you. Thank you for all the nice words you have said about me, about my people, my country. I’m very thankful. Thank you Mr. President.
July 7, 2015