VIDEO: Israel’s president Rivlin in Germany to mark 50 years of relations

Israel’s president Reuven Rivlin was welcomed to Germany to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the states.

Rivlin said the two day visit was “a deeply emotional and significant visit” that “will mark a long journey – which has brought us from the unforgettable horrors of the past, to the shared values of the present, and with cooperation and friendship, will lead us to a promising future.”

He said: “Fifty years ago I was among a group of students who protested near the President’s Residence at the arrival of the first German ambassador to Israel, and now five decades later, I am as President of Israel, embarking on an official visit to Germany to mark the jubilee of that relationship,” according to Times of Israel.

During the visit, which began on Sunday 10 May, Rivlin is scheduled to have meetings with the with German President Joachim Gauck, Chancellor Angela Merkel, and other senior Government officials to “help deepen the cooperation between our two peoples and governments.”

Rivlin will mark the occasion with a special address marking the jubilee of relations between Israel and Germany which began in 1952, and will lay a wreath at the Platform 17 memorial to the Jews of Berlin murdered in the Holocaust.

In addition, Rivling will be guest of honour at a concert of the Berlin Philharmonic, meet with young Israelis and Germans involved in partnership projects. 

Israel’s President Rivlin welcomed by German President Gauck in Berlin. Due to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. pic.twitter.com/GcxzgmN2n4

— Michaela Kuefner (@MKuefner) May 11, 2015