JERUSALEM (VINnews) — In a first major foreign policy success for the new Bennett-Lapid government, the new embassy of Honduras was inaugurated in Jerusalem Thursday at a historic ceremony which was attended by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. After the ceremony, which took place at the Malha technological park in Jerusalem, Bennett met with Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernández at the prime minister’s office.
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At the ceremony, Bennett said that the agreements being signed between the two countries “are another demonstration of the deep friendship and connection between the Jewish state, the state of Israel and the people and the state of Honduras under your leadership”
"Mr. President (of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez), you are a true friend of Israel. The Jewish people have a long memory and you will inscribed on the pages of history as one who took a courageous and correct action for the State of Israel. Thank you."
– PM Bennett pic.twitter.com/57HlrhMus8— Samuel Sabbah (@Samuel_Sabbah) June 24, 2021
Bennett added words of appreciation:
“Mr. President, you are a true friend of Israel! The Jewish people have a long memory, and you will be recorded in the pages of history as having done a brave and justified deed for the State of Israel.”
Honduras is only the fourth country to transfer its embassy to Jerusalem after the US, Guatemala and Kosovo.
Bennett also thanked the president for his continuous support for Israel in the international arena:
“Under your leadership, Honduras consistently stands by Israel in international institutions when it is not always popular, and sometimes it also involves paying a price. This is a testimony to our friendship — your willingness to take action… I want to thank you and the public in Honduras for this support.”
In response, Hernández tweeted after the event that “We hope to continue building the solid relationship between our two countries. He referred to Jerusalem as “the eternal capital of Israel.”
Hernández said that he had first been exposed to Israel when he came30 years ago to participate in a leadership development program run by Mashav, or the Agency for International Development Cooperation, which he called “a life-changing experience.” He also thanked Israel for the warm reception and said he wished to promote and deepen the relationship between the two countries.
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