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I am pleased to welcome the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mirek Topolánek, in Jerusalem – the capital of the State of Israel. The Czech Republic is one of our greatest friends and a central ally in the European Union. I thank the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic for his long-term support for Israel, including in the international arena, and for the profound understanding and staunch friendship demonstrated by the Czech Republic towards the State of Israel since its establishment, and even before then.
The Czech Republic demonstrates courage, consistency and determination in its Middle East policy and in the war against global terror. Since the establishment of the State of Israel, the Czech Republic has shown solidarity towards Israel and its people, and special understanding of its security needs. We in Israel will never forget the Czech Republic’s friendship towards the State and people of Israel.
Over the past several years, the relations between Israel and the Czech Republic have grown stronger and deeper in all fields, including in economic, cultural and scientific fields. The scope of trade between our countries has increased at a rapid and significant pace over the past few years.
I am certain that your visit, Mr. Prime Minister, will serve as an additional landmark in the relations between us and will contribute to the strengthening of the bilateral relations between our countries. I look forward to our meeting, during which we will discuss a number of bilateral issues and ways to advance the relations between our countries and between Israel and the European Union, as well as a number of strategic issues on the agenda – the struggle against global terror, the Iranian threat and the political process between Israel and the Palestinians.
Mr. Prime Minister, thank you again for visiting Israel, and I look forward to a fruitful and interesting meeting. Welcome to Israel.
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