Britain’s new ambassador in Tel Aviv presents credentials to President Rivlin

Britain’s new ambassador in Tel Aviv has presented his credentials to President Reuven Rivlin at an official ceremony at the Beit HaNassi residence in Jerusalem.

Ambassador Neil Wigan presented his letters of credence to Rivlin, followed by an audience with the Israeli president.

Wigan, who took up his posting in Tel Aviv in June following David Quarrey’s departure, met his wife Yael in Israel on his first posting in 2002. “It is a great honoUr and a deep personal pleasure to be here again, Mr President,” he said in fluent Hebrew.

“We see you as very good friends and let me assure you there will be no Isra-exit from our bilateral relations,” Rivlin said. “Please send my warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Johnson, my dear friend, and of course to Her Majesty the Queen.”

Wigan, who revealed his grandfather was the commander of British forces that liberated Bergen-Belsen, stressed Britain’s bond to the Jewish state.

“The Royal Family feels a strong connection to Israel, particularly Prince Philip,” he added. “The relations between our two countries are close, the prime minister volunteered on a kibbutz, and there is no doubt that this says something about the quality of our relations.”