President Peres to the Ambassador Michaelis of Germany:

President Peres accepted the credentials of the incoming Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Andreas Michaelis, in an official ceremony at Beit HaNassi today. 

President Peres said: „The Relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and Israel are very special,
very close and very meaningful. It is not the usual diplomatic relations, it is a long memory, many emotions and many hopes all combined. I have the highest regard for the Government and for the Chancellor. Relations are very good and Germany is very involved in Europe and played a commendable role regarding
Greece. Also Germany’s latest attempt to keep Europe together and European policy is really needed. We can feel the friendliness and understanding of your Government, of the Chancellor and the President. In many domains that are not traditional diplomacy like science and technology it is a growing partnership.
And I think you are responsible partners to bring peace to the Middle East.

Like you we would like to see the Middle East becoming democratic and successful.
Neither the Arabs nor the Muslims are our enemies, we have to live together.
Economic opportunity, water and the shortage of food is the main problem in the
region with terror also a serious threat. We are looking forward to continue to
work together.”

Ambassador Michaelis to President Peres: „Thank you for the warm reception. I convey the greetings of
President Wulff and Chancellor Merkel. It is my objective to preserve the
special quality of the relationship between the Federal Republic of Germany and
the State of Israel, and also to work towards peace in the region.   We have
seen far reaching changes in the Arab world. I would like to assure you that
Germany will use all its influence and the means available to influence the
policies in the region in a way that we guarantee stability in your
neighborhood.   I believe is important to the security of the State of Israel.
The Chancellor has very clearly stated that right of the State of Israel to
exist is a raison d’etre of the Federal Republic of Germany. As head of the
mission here I will try to make that a reality on a daily basis.”

During the traditional toast to the new Ambassador, President Peres said: „I have the highest regard
for President Wulff. His attitude to Israel is warm, friendly, and sincere and
we appreciate it very much. We have much admiration for Chancellor Merkel who
possesses something very rare in politics, namely the confidence in her honesty,
devotion and seriousness, and we are lucky to have her as a friend.”

Regarding the peace process, President Peres said: ” All of us wants peace. There are two ways to
try and achieve it, either through the United Nations by disagreement and
finally producing a paper that will remain a document, or by trying hard to
overcome the latest disagreement between us and the Palestinians. Many
disagreements were solved and the remaining ones, in my opinion are solvable.
I hope that Germany and the EU will really take our very sincere desire to see a
successful, democratic, flourishing Palestinian state as our neighbors. We can
work together and live together.”