President Shimon Peres today (Monday), 30.1.12, at his Jerusalem Residence, met with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird and Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. At the start of the meeting, the President said that, "Israel is very lucky to have your friendship which we appreciate very much."
Canadian Foreign Minister Baird said that, "You have no better friend in the world than Canada, no stronger ally who will stand up [for you.]. We won't stand behind you; we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel."
President Peres and the Canadian ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of science and advanced technologies. Canadian Foreign Minister Baird said that, "Israel is currently cooperating in these fields with Ontario and Nova Scotia, but we are interested in broadening this cooperation to a federal level." President Peres replied that, "There is much potential to enhance our collaboration in the fields of Science and Technology. Israel and Canada complete each other; Israel is small and lacks in natural resources whereas Canada is spacious and has been blessed with many of them. Our two countries have much to benefit from collaborating in those areas."
For further information:
Ayelet Frish – Spokesperson for the President of Israel
Meital Jaslovitz (jmeital@president.gov.il) – Assistant Spokesperson for the President
