Oh, goodie: Israel and Russia mark 15 years of renewed diplomatic relations

Communicated by the Foreign Minister Spokesman, Jerusalem, Israel:

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On the occasion of 15th anniversary of the renewal of diplomatic relations between Israel and Russia, the foreign ministers of the two states exchanged diplomatic notes, praising the scope and diversity of relations between the countries today. The arrival in Moscow of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on October 17, the eve of the anniversary, is a concrete expression of the high level of relations between the states and the importance which Israel attaches to its relations with Russian.

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni stressed in her letter to the Russian Foreign Minister that Israel will never forget the decisive role which the Soviet Union played in liberating Europe and
the death camps established by the Nazis during World War II. The Soviet Union was among the first to recognize the State of Israel immediately upon its establishment in 1948. Foreign Minister Livni also cited the historic visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Israel in April 2005, which contributed significantly to the advancement of bilateral relations.

"The million Jews who immigrated from Russia in the last decade, as well as the flourishing Jewish community living in Russia today, constitute a vibrant human bridge connecting our two states," Livni wrote to her Russian counterpart. The Foreign Minister reiterated her commitment to continue to work to broaden cooperation between the two states and in the region.

During the past fifteen years, close cooperation has evolved between the countries in all areas and on all levels. Israel and Russia conduct fruitful political dialogue and an exchange of ideas on all issues on the
international agenda. Economic, scientific and cultural cooperation grow from year to year, thanks, among others, to the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.