JERUSALEM/PARIS—‘’Our relations are close and strategic. True friendship is tested in moments of truth, and that is has been the kind of friendship between Israel and France from the very beginning,’’ declared Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin as he left for an official two-day visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
‘’The visit will strengthen and deepen the robust relations between the two countries and increase cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, economy, security, tourism and culture,’’ Rivlin’s office said.
The Israeli president said : ‘’This visit marks seventy years of relations between two democracies. Israel is grateful for France’s historic help in ensuring our security. Israel and France share a common commitment to a safe, equal and free world today. Israel and France stand together in the fight against global terror. The deep cooperation between us is an essential force multiplier in this global effort. On this visit, we will extend and deepen the cooperation between us to protect our shared values.”
The visit will start Wednesday with an official reception ceremony at the Hôtel national des Invalides, where he will be received by an honor guard.
Following this, he will meet with President Emanuel Macron. They will discuss bilateral matters and the resurgence of antisemitism in France. In the evening, the President of France and his wife Brigitte will host the President of the State of Israel and his wife Nechama for a state dinner.
On Thursday, the president will tour a French Air Force base, escorted by IAF Commander Maj-Gen Amikam Norkin and his French counterparts, before participating in an event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, attended by the heads of the Jewish community and senior French leaders.