BICOM

Speaking recently at an event to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, UK Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould underlined the growing strength in UK-Israel relations.

At the reception, held at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, Ambassador Gould said “Each year… relations between Israel and Britain grow stronger.” He outlined the particularly robust scientific links between the two countries, which he described as both being “scientific superpowers.” This follows the signing last month of a Memorandum of Understanding by Foreign Secretary William Hague and Israel’s Minister for Science, Technology and Space Yaakov Peri, which will further strengthen scientific cooperation between the two countries in five priority areas.

Ambassador Gould also outlined the strong security relationship between the UK and Israel and highlighted growing trade between the two countries which has seen Britain become Israel’s largest export market outside of the United States.

Addressing attempts in the UK to boycott Israel, Gould said “clearly and unambiguously” that “The British Government opposes boycotts of Israel. They do nothing to build understanding. They put up walls, when we should be tearing them down.”

Ambassador Gould also paid tribute to Israel’s President Shimon Peres as “an inspiration to all Israel.” Peres attended the celebration as the guest of honour, taking to the podium to also highlight the history and importance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.