[ssba]

“It is very special to welcome ambassadors from our close and important neighbours. Egypt is ‘Um El Donya’, ‘mother of the world’ and especially in our region Egypt plays a most important role.

We live together in a difficult region. We have found a way to live together in peace and friendship. This is a message to the whole region, and the whole world. I was in Egypt during times of war, and I was in Egypt during peace. The peace agreement between our countries is an international treaty and it is for both us, a top priority. We may not agree on everything, but we respect each other and because of this we will build a shared future.” (Israeli President Reuven Rivlin welcoming Egypt’s new ambassador to Israel Hazem Khairat at a ceremony in Jerusalem, 25/02/2016)