Honored (ladies and gentlemen), these thickets of memory induce
our peoples together, Israelis and Germans.
And next to remembrance is revival. For during these eighty years
and seven days, we succeeded ― both our nations ― to emerge
from a national and historic trauma and to rebuild anew with courage
and determination. Both our nations that between
death and life have chosen life, daily. As it was said “I have set before
you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that
both thou and thy seed may live.” The Book of Deuteronomy,
chapter 30 verse 19 (KJV). Two nations that have endured
an extraordinary journey on a path toward reconciliation
and the manifestation of relations and courageous friendship.
Germany and Israel have built a bridge that sees eye-to-eye
the power of democracy and its importance as well as the
necessity to work together to protect it time and again, day after day.
First of all, it is a fascinating, important and challenging survey.
I think that every period brings with it its own challenges and we
must put everything in proportion. And I also don’t think that Israel
should be complacent. And, generally speaking we must
trust ourselves in all areas and really develop a strategy
that is clear and coherent because there are very
complex challenges at play. With that being said,
we must remember that we are situated in a very complicated
game of global powers that impacts all regions of the world.
I will be glad, if you would like to forward to me a document,
in light of my communications with the Turks and also additional
officials, including the possibility of a visit to the UAE.
If you would like to raise interesting points that could
strengthen our cooperation, I am always open to it.
We are ready to take every step with Israel in this field (energy).
In fact, Israeli President Mr. Herzog will pay a visit
in the first weeks of February. This visit may pave way for
a new era in Turkish - Israeli relations.