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1. How do you feel since the outbreak of the coronavirus 19 pandemic?

Fortunately, I am doing well as are all of the Embassy personnel; we check in with each other daily on various messaging platforms to make sure that we are all physically healthy and aware of the latest developments from the Philippines and here in Israel.

One of the protocols of the Philippine Foreign Service is to prepare a contingency plan for all possible emergency situations that may arise at your post, so as early as January we had already been discussing the virus spreading in Wuhan, China and what might happen if the illness reached Israel. By the time Israel started imposing restrictions, our personnel were fully prepared both physically and mentally to adjust their lifestyle and working habits accordingly.

2. How do you succeed to conduct the embassy work in time of confinement?

At a time like this, I am personally quite thankful to be posted in a country that has embraced technology and has come up with all sorts of innovations that make remote work not only possible, but very productive. Thanks to these innovations, some of our work – attending briefings, meeting with contacts, communicating with our colleagues in the diplomatic corps and with our headquarters in Manila – can be easily done from home.

I also consider it a blessing that many of these technologies are already in daily use. Our personnel regularly communicate and coordinate with each other on messaging platforms, even before the pandemic; we built on that and now use those same platforms to share information, relay instructions, and so on. We’re also constantly on the lookout for new technologies or new ways to use the platforms we already have, to add to our options for working from home.

Of course, there are some parts of our work that really require physical presence, and for these tasks we have had to think about how to get them done without unnecessarily exposing our personnel to health risks. Since we started preparing back in January, we had time to stock up on personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves for personnel who need to meet with clients. We’ve also tapped our local network to help us reach out to places where we cannot physically go – Jerusalem, for example, or Haifa. This was particularly helpful for us during the period of enhanced restrictions, where we were not permitted to move outside of our own cities.

3. What are the goals of your embassy at corona pandemic time?

I would say our goals remain largely the same – maintain our strong relations with the State of Israel, look for opportunities to broaden and deepen the bilateral partnership, and take care of our nationals who live and work here.

Due to the nature of the crisis, however, we have shifted most of our resources to focus on the protection of our nationals – particularly those whose employment or sources of income have been negatively affected by the pandemic. We also had to make sure that Filipinos in Israel working as live-in caregivers were properly informed about the new restrictions and the precautions they should be taking – in some cases, we called people up personally to relay the information.

We are also concerned about the economic fallout of the pandemic, which will certainly affect bilateral trade, two-way tourism, and labor relations. For example, the deployment of the first batch of hotel workers from the Philippines had to be delayed indefinitely as the hotel industry in Israel has suffered serious losses. We have also halted the deployment of caregivers due to travel restrictions in the Philippines and in Israel. Thousands of Christian pilgrims also had to postpone their travel to the Holy Land even during holy week because of the pandemic.  At the moment, we are focusing our efforts to ensure that those with caregiving jobs are able to hold on to their employment in Israel. After all, they play a critical role in taking care of elderly Israelis who are the most vulnerable to the deadly coronavirus.

4. How is your country coping with the pandemic?

It’s a little early to tell, since we are still expanding our capacity to test. Once we are able to implement community-based testing, particularly in large and densely-populated urban areas such as Metro Manila, we will have a better idea of how the virus has affected us and what we need to do to improve current efforts.

What we’re seeing emerge is a very dynamic feedback loop between the national government and the local government units (LGU), where the national government issues guidelines and the LGUs then come up with ways to implement those guidelines given their unique circumstances.

We’ve also seen our private sector and citizens mobilize to extend help however they can – from designing and producing personal protective equipment, to providing free meals and transportation for frontline healthcare workers, to providing places for the homeless to take shelter. We call it bayanihan, this act of coming together as a community to care for each other. Filipinos are very social people, so the restrictions of a quarantine – the kind that force us to stay apart and isolated – feel very alien. Bayanihan, I think, is our way of coping. It gives us a way to reach out to one another even when we can’t do it physically.

5. What is the situation of the Filipino community in Israel?

Most Filipinos in Israel are live-in caregivers, so as you can imagine, many are having a very difficult time right now. Not only are they responsible for the personal care and daily activities of a very vulnerable sector – that is, the sick and the elderly – they also have to take extra precautions that restrict them from caring for their own families back home. They can’t send money, for example, or care packages. They can’t tell their families when they will be able to visit them in the Philippines. Some have not been able to leave their employers’ homes for close to a month, due to the restrictions, and that, too, is a very challenging situation.

Again, bayanihan is helping them cope. From within their employers’ homes, or from within their own, our community has been reaching out to each other to check on each other and provide mental and emotional support. We are trying to provide them with ways to manage this situation – online counselling, phone calls so that they can unload their concerns to someone who speaks their language, and information on the virus and how they can protect themselves. The embassy has also distributed, using church and community networks, 1,000 food packs to those in dire need of assistance. We will distribute 1,000 more food packs in the coming weeks.

Most of the Filipinos in Israel are doing well, but want to know how much longer this situation will last. That is probably the most difficult question, because no one has a definite answer.

6. As Dean of the Asian countries represented in Israel what Israel can learn from your countries struggle against the coronavirus pandemic?

Asia, I think, was one of the regions that first felt the full repercussions of Covid-19. While there is a lot of focus now on data-driven policy decisions to combat the pandemic, and rightfully so, I think we have to keep in mind that back in early January some of our governments were being asked to make very difficult decisions while having very little information.

Having said that, there are definitely some best practices that we can all learn from. Vietnam, for example, took very decisive steps early on, placing heightened restrictions on movement and augmenting healthcare resources in the areas where outbreaks happened. They also launched a nation-wide information campaign to educate people regarding the coronavirus and the risks of widespread contamination, so that people understood why these measures were necessary. Their early response helped them contain the infection well within the capacity of their health care system.

We also look to countries like South Korea, which was one of the first countries worldwide to implement mass testing. This policy decision must have been difficult in the early days, because for quite some time South Korea had one of the highest numbers of confirmed cases in the world. Their example, however, has led to the current emphasis on data-driven policy-making: since they were able to gather accurate information on where the virus had spread, and how, they can use that information to come up with policies or plans that target the specific problem without unduly harming other aspects of life, such as the economy.

On that note, I think it’s worth saying that Israel’s response to the pandemic has been very effective, with a slight but very definite flattening of the curve being seen after only three weeks of heightened restrictions. One of the measures of an effective response, in my view, is that casualties are kept to a minimum, because at the end of the day you cannot put a price on human life. I join everyone in hoping that the rate of infections continues to remain under control, and that a cure for this virus can be found as soon as possible.

Nathaniel G. Imperial Ambassador of the Philippines to the State of Israel

CV of H.E. Ambassador Nathaniel G. Imperial

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1. What is the role of an ambassador and his team at a time of war against the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our job firstly is what we are here to do – to maintain and promote the EU’s diplomatic relations with Israel. In addition, we have been helping Europeans, and Israelis, get home through assisting the EU Member States in their consular activities and steering local coordination as commercial flight options have been decreasing. We have also been very actively engaged with the Israeli innovation sectors to support global efforts on the vaccine and treatment fronts. Finally, our role is to ensure global solidarity in this time of crisis – we do this through our contacts with the authorities but also with the Israeli public. This week we provided food vouchers to a number of very vulnerable communities in Israel ( incl. Holocaust survivors, asylum seekers, elderly) who will be feeling the isolation and economic crisis the most.

2. How does your embassy operate in spite of the confinement?

Most staff are working from home and we will slowly return to greater presence in the office premises in line with measures taken by the health authorities. The EU has already a teleworking system in place, which has made for a smooth transfer for staff to install in their homes. We continue to hold all regular meetings via videoconference, including with EU Headquarters and Israeli counterparts. Still, staff miss being in each other’s company in the office and we look forward to full return when the situation allows.

3. What are  today, in face of the corona pandemic ,the E.U diplomatic goals in general and in Israel especially. Do Europe and Israel cooperate in this global war against a common enemy and how?

The pandemic is affecting all countries in the world so we can succeed in overcoming the crisis only if we act in a coordinated manner not only within Europe but globally. We have increased our support to the WHO.  The EU has harnessed its scientific and technological research capacities to fight COVID-19 and we have seen an unprecedented engagement by research teams all over the word to collaborate across borders – Israelis researchers are among the most active.  We need to encourage this joining of forces, sharing of information, and coordinating strategies at international level as much as we can. Unprecedented events call for unprecedented action and that fast, massive and coordinated global action is necessary on the health and economic fronts to save lives and avoid a further economic crisis.

4. Do you have a message to the Israeli people on this occasion?

This has been a  difficult time but the more we stand together, the quicker we will all pull through this crisis together. How we react to the crisis will determine what the world looks like after the virus threat passes. Behind seemingly closed borders, cooperation and collaboration within the EU, and with Israel continues unabated, even enhanced. The most tangible tribute we can give to thousands of victims, as well as to those that have been working tirelessly on the frontlines, is our determination to join forces, strengthen international solidarity and for this, the EU is here. We will visit each other again soon.

Emanuele Giaufret Ambassador of the European Union to the State of Israel

CV of H.E. Ambassador Emanuele Giaufret

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Your Excellency the Ambassador of Slovenia,

1. What are the goals of the Slovenian Embassy in Israel in face of the Covid-19 pandemics?

The global pandemics of Covid-19 has certainly changed our working methods and our focus, as we quickly adapted to the new reality. First and foremost, it is important that all our staff stays healthy and safe, and that we stay connected and supportive of each other. We are strictly following the guidelines and health protocols that are provided to us by the Israeli government and our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Assisting repatriation of Slovenian travelers, who were in Israel but wanted to return home, was one of the crucial tasks as the pandemic unveiled. It is also important that our citizens, who remain in Israel, know that we are here to help them if any need arises.

2. How does the Embassy operate in time of confinement?

We follow the guidelines of the Israeli government and also the instructions that we receive from our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have introduced teleworking, most of our employees work from home, at the Embassy we only have essential staff. The Embassy is open, but visa and consular services are limited. Thanks to technology, we can easily remain in regular contact with our capital despite the challenges we face every day.

3. How does Slovenia cope with the pandemic?

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Slovenia continues to grow, but not at an exponential rate. We now have 1,335 cases and 77 fatalities.  Strict measures are in place since early March, ensuring social distancing and appropriate hygene protocols. The Government has just started to carefully ease the restrictions, making sure that we keep the spread of the virus under control.

4. Does the fact that Slovenia is part of the EU helps?

Slovenia as an EU Member State takes part and coordinates with the EU on policies connected to Covid-19 pandemic. We are stronger together and can help each other better as members of a large EU family. I would perhaps point out our joint support to EU citizens, who found themselves stranded outside the EU, also here in Israel. All EU states are sharing information on the options for return and closely work together for the repatriation of our citizens with flights organized by individual member states. Sharing information on very tight travel restrictions that are still in place around the world is also very valuable to our consular work.  Slovenian tourists mostly left Israel just before tight restrictions came to place, but for the ones that decided to depart later, it was very comforting to know that if there were no commercial flights available, we could always rely on our European partners, and vice versa.

Andreja Pukart-Martinez Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the State of Israel

CV of H.E. Ambassador Andreja Purkart-Martinez

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1. What are the goals and functions of an ambassador in face of the corona pandemic?

Among the main duties of any ambassador has always been providing assistance and protection to the citizens of home country while they are staying abroad. During the coronavirus pandemic times this function became vitally important.

Today we are facing a health threat like no other in lifetimes.  Many countries all over the world have taken unprecedented emergency measures to stop this virus from spreading in a desperate move to protect their population from the disease at any cost.

Like most of the countries Ukraine closed its borders for crossing and halted all scheduled air and land passenger services. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians were forced to stay abroad for an undefined period of time. In such difficult situation the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine by means of the Embassies and the Consulates is continuing to take all necessary measures to meet the need of the citizens of Ukraine who are turned out to stay abroad.

Speaking about Ukrainian citizens in Israel I can tell that we successfully organized 7 charter flights for bringing our nationals back home. Of course, not everyone was willing to use these flights for different reasons and we still have quite a number of Ukrainians in Israel who sooner or late will probably need to fly home. When time passing by some may found themselves in difficult position and would be looking for help.

That’s why at the end of March following the borders closures the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created an electronic registration system for our citizens abroad called “FRIEND” and embassies started to implement appropriate measures. As an example, transit corridors for our citizens have been established with a number of bordering countries. Special places for mandatory observation have been created. Since then we have returned home more than 60,000 Ukrainian citizens, including those from Israel.

All citizens of Ukraine abroad who are in need due to the coronavirus pandemic should apply to the embassies or consulates of Ukraine for assistance. Within the framework of the program, Ukrainian diplomatic missions abroad, in particular, inform citizens about the possibility of returning to Ukraine, or moving to neighboring countries closer to Ukraine for further organized transfer to home. Diplomats advice on household issues and health care, resolve overdue documents/permits/visas to stay in a foreign country, etc.

Despite the pandemic we continue our routine diplomatic work, mostly performing our essential duties via networks. We continue to maintain friendly bilateral relations among our states, especially mutual cooperation in various fields, in support for our economies and trade. Cooperating across the borders we strive to do everything we can to put the pandemic to an end and to overcome its terrible consequences.

2. What is, since the beginning of the pandemic, the situation of the foreign diplomats in Israel? Any specific problems or challenges?

The situation among the foreign diplomats in Israel in regard to the pandemic does not differ much from the conditions which the majority of the people of your country are facing.

As the residents of the country we strictly adhere to all norms and recommendations of the Israeli government on the implementation of quarantine regulations and instructions of the Ministry of Health of Israel.

We do not face any problems or difficulties other than those experienced by ordinary Israelis.

We are all having our fingers crossed in hope for an improvement and a return to normal life.

3. How does Ukraine struggle against the coronavirus?

On April 21, 6,125 cases of COVID-19 coronavirus were recorded in Ukraine, of which 161 were fatal, 367 patients recovered. We expect the peak incidence of COVID-19 coronavirus infection in Ukraine in early days of May.

I would like to emphasize that fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is under constant attention of the President and the Government of Ukraine.

Since mid-March a number of complex measures have been taken to safeguard the lives and health of Ukrainians similar to those of the countries where statistics were much worse. Among them – medical, economical and quarantine measures.

First of all, were prepared more than 12,000 infectious beds for the complex cases. Medical facilities have been re-profiled to receive and treat patients in serious conditions. Capability of hospitals for intensive care patients were also strengthen.

World pandemic experience and best practices are being constantly studied, including Israeli ones, and vaccine development is underway.

Ukraine has sent doctors to Italy to help with the pandemic. They gained valuable experience and knowledge. This implies a response to the coronavirus peak, the rapid deployment of new observation sites and mobile hospitals.

We deliver constantly from China and South Korea to Ukraine test systems and express tests, protective suits and mechanical ventilation equipment, masks and respirators. At the same time, we are increasing domestic production. In particular, Ukraine started making its own test systems.

Now we are talking with one of the Israeli ventilation equipment producer to establish such production line in Ukraine in nearest future.

Negotiations with the IMF and other international partners are underway to provide financial support to address the effects of coronavirus, humanitarian aid and, among other, medical equipment.

Our National Bank has developed a program of measures for credit support of business and population of Ukraine. Ministry of Finance, state and commercial banks have worked out a program of credit vacations for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as the concept of tax relives. Work to create a stabilization fund is underway. It will be used to support doctors, teachers, pensioners, unfortunately quarantined workers, and help Ukrainian businesses. Where reduced salaries of high officials and judges, as well as top executives of state-owned enterprises.

Daily broadcasts of online lessons and the national project “All-Ukrainian School Online” were started (11 subjects are taught).

In regards to quarantine measures, starting from March 17, 2020 it is prohibited to accept visitors to cultural institutions, shopping and entertainment centers, restaurants, cafes, fitness centers and other catering, entertainment and services. Rail, air and bus interurban and interregional passenger transportation and work of subways were put on halt. Urban transportation was limited to the certain numbers of passengers.  Mass events involving more than 10 people, including ceremonies, where also prohibited.

In April the Government has introduced new restrictions to overcome coronavirus. This, in particular, is a must-wear mask in public. In addition, when going outside, you must have an ID card. Visiting parks, squares and recreation areas is only possible for walking pets. Administrative and criminal liability applies for violation of quarantine rules.

For now the quarantine measures in Ukraine have been prolonged until May 11th.

4. What is your message to the people of Israel on this month of Yom Hashoa, Yom Hazikaron of the fallen Israeli soldiers and Israel’s Independence Day?

This month, when Israel marks Yom Hashoa, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haazmaut, is a solemn month.

Honouring the memory of the six million Jews perished at the hands of the Nazis in the Holocaust, honouring the memory of those who fell in the struggle for the establishment of the State of Israel and in its defense, and celebrating the anniversary of the creation of the State all Israelis pay tribute to the events of their recent history, its heroes and martyrs.

Each year, marking these events together with Israelis I am delighted to see all of you expressing gratitude to the founding fathers of Israel, to those who fought for the country’s independence and its continued existence. Undoubtedly, Israelis have to be proud of such amazing achievements.

My message to you – continue to be united and strong together, as the whole world witnesses your success and looks at you as a worthily example of honouring own history and creation of a beautiful country filled with love of its people.

Happy Independence Day!

Hennadii Nadolenko Ambassador of Ukraine to the State of Israel

CV of H.E. Ambassador Nadolenko Hennadii

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Your Excellency the Ambassador of Nepal,

1. How do you feel in face of the corona pandemic?

As we all know, almost all the countries in the world, today, are facing a critical and terrible situation due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Around 1.4 million people are infected from Novel Corona virus till date out of which more than 85 thousand people all around the world, have already lost their life leaving many in an underlying situation. However, we have to take our every step wisely without getting panic on ourselves conveying information to all the Nepalese residing in Israel and Cyprus that the Embassy of Nepal is committed enough to take every possible and necessary step in welfare of the aforementioned. Ambassador is the Guardian of her/his every citizen. But, I also understand that my responsibility is not limited to a certain genre but to a number of people related to any work including, of course, the Embassy staffs. At this moment, everyone needs encouragement, motivation and cooperation. The Embassy has been corresponding to its receiving countries via emails and phone. Despite, Corona virus created such a situation that stopped our movement, stopped all exchange of Visits, conducting meetings, signing Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and agreements and so on confining our activities within our community via phone call, email and social media. I am worried that this situation will have direct impact on our economy. So, we need to plan to manage our economy. In recent days, we are conducting video conferences, call conferences, webinars with the Governments and people of Nepal, Israel and Cyprus (high level officials from concerned authorities, private sectors, chamber of commerce, Nepali and Israeli communities etc. It has halted our life and inhibited enhancing our relations as we cannot meet anyone. In the meantime, this is a brilliant idea that Ambassadors’ Club of Israel has brought via which we can be able to share our notions and thoughts.

2. What is the situation in Nepal?

Currently, Nepal has reported nine cases of Covid 19, including one local transmission which has taken the country into stage 2 of the pandemic.  In which two cases are recovered and others are in mild condition. But we are worried about future.

At the first step, Government of Nepal announced temporary bans on all flights, all long haul transportation across the country and all non-essential services from March 22 to March 31. Second step took by the government to halt incoming passengers from 55 countries, other passengers have to be quarantine as they arrive Nepal, postponement of the nation-wide Secondary Education Examinations, and a ban on all gatherings of more than 25 people. Further the new announcement regarding a halt to all international arrivals including Nepalese. Now, Nepal is in complete lockdown since 2 weeks and it is extended to April 15. We have cancelled all flights, seized border and restricted the internal movement. It has helped us significantly to prevent the rapid spread of this virus.  Our Rt. Honorable Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli urged Nepalese abroad to exercise patience and reach out to Nepali missions in the respective countries. He said, “Safeguarding life is the most important human right.”

He announced the creation of a new agency, the “Corona Crisis Management Center” to coordinate, oversee and act on a war-footing to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Quarantine facilities houses for 30,566 people have been built across the country. At present, 9,168 people are in quarantine while 95 people are undergoing treatment in isolation. Nepal Government coordinated with the Indian Government to keep Nepalese returning from India in quarantine. Around 2,147 Nepalese are kept in quarantine on the Indian side and over 700 Indian nationals are in quarantine in Nepal. Those who are in quarantine at the Nepal-India border will be allowed to return home once their quarantine ends and they undergo some tests. The government did not allow them to enter Nepal due to risk of transmission. The government had dispatched 1,048 sets of personal protective equipment, 11,819 gowns, 4,345 N-95 masks and 5,65,261 surgical masks to all seven provinces; and 75,000 testing kits. The more test carried out where a majority cases are located. Nepal has launched COVID-19 website and Mobile App.

Looking to this crisis, we are lacking medical equipments like PPE, PCR test kits, N95 masks, infra red thermometer, ventilators etc. The lower number of cases may also be due to the lack of such testing kits. Some Nepali entrepreneurs are producing few materials but it is not sufficient. Central, provincial and local Governments and People are working hand in hand to fight this situation. Government of Nepal and Nepali people are treating foreigners too with no discrimination. Our culture is – “Guests are like Deities.”

During the Video conference of all the heads of missions based in Israel with competent Israeli officials, we got the request of the Government of Israel to repatriate Israelis which we have forwarded to Nepal Government and Nepal is willing to support. Nepal is looking forward to get support from the Government of Israel as we received at the time of earthquake 2015. We still have warm memory of that wonderful support. It is obvious that all countries are combating the same problem at the very moment. We can’t help each other though we are eager to do it because we are stuck at our own place. However, like a silver line in clouds, there is always a hope of beautiful light in any hard time. I am hopeful the day is not very far that we will be out of this situation.

3. What is your role, today, as Nepali ambassador to Israel and Cyprus and how do you and your team operate in time of isolation?

We have to be optimistic. It is important that the leader should be healthy and inspirational for everybody. So, we are working but with care.

We are working with skeletal staffs only since the last week. We have granted leave to local staffs and allowed them to work from home.

We are taking part in video conferences, call conferences, webinars with both the Governments, high level officials and concerned authorities, private sectors, chamber of commerce, and of course, Nepali and Israeli communities.

We have formed a volunteering committee that looks after the Nepali people facing problem. I am lucky that I have many Israeli friends here and they are always ready to help which make me so comfortable. They don’t even let me feel that I am not with my family. Yet, we don’t see much problem within Nepali communities in Israel but may exist in future as some of them are staying together. Also, there are problems with Nepali community in Cyprus. We are exercising more to rescue them if they will have problem.

We are publishing notice, rules and regulations through our official media to inform Nepali community residing in Israel and Cyprus.

I have already mentioned that there is more problem In Cyprus. However, Nepal Embassy is corresponding with the Government of Cyprus and striving jointly to tackle the problems in coordination with the Honorary Consulate of Nepal, Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and some other organizations there in terms of health, security, food etc.

We should be exuberant instead of getting panicked and depressed. Virus reminded us how fragile and mortal we are as life. There is no option than fighting collectively with this pandemic.

I would urge to be grateful to whatever you have and be gentle with this time.

4. Do you have a message to the Israelis?

I found Israelis are very educated and smart and they know how to maintain the social distance which is the only way to combat spread out of Covid 19 pandemic. In one hand, it may temporarily degrade our economy, business etc. But we can again upgrade it with our efforts and hardwork.

On the other, I see some positive scenarios. People are realizing how important the relations are, how valuable our families, relatives and friends are. It has taught us the lesson how difficult the social distance is. Families, neighbors, friends are getting emotionally closer because of this created distance. They are remembering and understanding each other. Children are happy with their parents and grandparents sitting and eating together. They are learning the culture. People are donating and distributing whatever they have. There is less pollution as well.

Nowadays, people became so busy that they forget even with whom they are living. This situation is providing us the opportunity to think more pragmatically about our past lives and our history and move forward with a renewed intuition.

I am alone here and all of my family members are in Nepal. But, I don’t think that I am with my subordinates, and my assistants. Rather, I take them as my family members and I am running my daily life with them as well as with my Israeli friends happily here.

The virus doesn’t look after rich or poor, of what religion, or political parties, and so on. Further, it may not be necessary to say more to Israelis, just to remind that “National Unity is the most important thing, this term is necessary everywhere in the world. Everyone has to contribute from the same ground and join hands to solve this problem.

There must be the availability of necessary medical equipment to the frontliners and public service providers. Public need to cooperate with the government by listening and following the rules and regulations whatsoever is decided for the betterment of whole humanity.

Be brave and keep patience. It is obvious that this situation will not remain forever.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy.

Thank you.

Anjan Shakya, Ph.D Ambassador of Nepal to Israel

CV of H. E. the Ambassador Dr. Anjan Shakya

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1. How does a diplomat and an embassy function in times of isolation due to the COVID- 19 pandemic?

We are, indeed, all facing an unsettling reality and an unpredictable war campaign of ecumenical proportions, and one in which every one of us is called to address a most malicious biological enemy.

This unprecedented pandemic has certainly changed our working methods as Embassies, as it has affected our countries, our communities and our homes. As for everyone else, in Israel, Cyprus and beyond, public health and safety protocols prevail and determine our code of work conduct. As Embassy, we abide religiously with the certainly commendable measures of the Israeli authorities, which I have to note are very similar epidemiologically and timewise, to the ones we are applying in Cyprus with the aim to drastically contain the viral spread.  As all Embassies, our Embassy coordinates closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the PMO, the NSC and the Ministry of Health, as well as the rest of the Diplomatic Corps, in assuring that we implement a homogeneous approach to the Israeli government’s measures.

Obviously, Cyprus being an EU member state coordinates very closely and day by day, on embassy policy, consular and other, relevant to the pandemic, topics with the EU delegation and the other EU partners, in order to ensure a generally unified approach. I can even go as far as saying that, in some respects, intercommunication in the diplomatic community and our outreach with Israeli authorities, as well as with local society stakeholders has become more immediate, more frequent and more automatic due to the pandemic.

In that context, I observe that this challenge has nourished a novel sense of camaraderie, via interconnecting us and even bringing us closer together in tackling best this common enemy.

As regards our everyday work, as Embassy we have very quickly introduced and implemented comprehensive telework practices, while the embassy functions with essential on the ground staff that follows a very strict protocol of social distancing and thorough hygiene, including disinfection protocols.

We have also aimed at nourishing our team spirit and our sense of togetherness while supporting each other, something which is vital in times of uncertainty and critical life changes.

For me personally this is all the more important knowing that my husband and family are back in Cyprus on this last 5th year of my assignment in beautiful Israel. I dare share that I feel very moved to read letters from my 8 year old and 6 year old boys, Phaedon and Alexander, inquiring how is “Israel doing with fighting the Corona virus” and asking their dad who is himself a Doctor of Genetics – Virology specialist “whether he has found the potion to kill the virus in Cyprus and Israel”.

2. What kind of changes or adaptations will have to be made in diplomatic relations between countries and the diplomatic profession itself?

Diplomatic work is by definition versatile, “fluid” and with a high level of adaptability or to put it better, agility.

I am proud and grateful to all of my team members for displaying acute work ethos, professionalism, empathy, initiative and leadership in addressing a number of novel work demands.

I’m glad to note that as an Embassy we have quickly adopted a contingency work plan, and transitioned most of our functions to remote work, such as video and tele conferencing methods of communication.

These methods are proving to be satisfactory media of due coordination, during this transient but dynamically changing period, which involves several degrees of lockdown.

The fact that Israel of course displays the highest of standards of high tech applications and communication tools ensured that we could effectively and quickly embark on good direct contact for a number of ongoing projects of cooperation between Cyprus and Israel in tackling the covid-19 pandemic.

3.What are the specific goals of Cyprus diplomacy in Israel in face of the war against the virus?

Our guiding principle is none else than the one which says that “a friend in need is a friend indeed”.

Considering the very close relations enjoyed by our peoples, by our business communities and our political leadership across the board, and making the most of our geographic closeness, we were very early on in a position to identify a plethora of opportunities for partnership in this unchartered war campaign against covid19. In fact, President Nicos Anastasiades has been in direct contact with both President Rivlin and PM Netanyahu a few times in the past few weeks.

No country can beat this war by itself and this is why our Cyprus – Israel nexus of prolific synergies is all the more important in fighting the pandemic of covid-19.

I specifically note that our countries coordinate practically in this collective fight, through for example the Task Force of a group of countries’ health experts, which was initiated by PM Netanyahu a few weeks back. I also highlight the significance of the fact that our Head clinicians have institutionalized a method of exchanging knowledge and best practices with the Sheba team on covid-19 cases, and that our key epidemiologists are sharing relevant data while being enrolled in trial studies of early detection applications.

At the same time I should note that we have been supplying Israel with large numbers of generic Chloroquinone manufactured by Cypriot pharmaceuticals. We have also proceeded with examining the purchase of medical equipment from Israel and looking into the possibility of the route via Ben Gurion airport for repatriation flights back to Cyprus, for which special permission by the Israeli authorities is ensured.

All of the above indicate some practical examples of the immediacy of our close partnership.

4. What is the short and long term impact of the pandemic on the trilateral cooperation Cyprus-Greece- Israel?

From what I can identify through the diversity of our trilateral thematic platforms with Israel and Greece and the regional initiatives that I have been actively involved in, during my five years of assignment to the post of the Ambassador of Cyprus to Israel, I can definitely say that our strategic partnership shall rise from this pandemic stronger and more resilient as ever before.

As you are aware our bilateral and trilateral platforms entail very compact dimensions of cooperation on emergency response and on civil defense matters, be it natural disasters and by extrapolation tackling even a pandemic of colossal proportions.

Likewise, we have been exploring a good number of synergies on Health related issues. It goes without saying that the need to face together and in an interoperable way this profoundly serious health crisis has strengthened our resolute to focus on how best to collectively tackle the pandemic in Cyprus, Israel and beyond.

In this context I have to mention that as an EU partner we pay special attention to EU actions in addressing the covid19 pandemic since European efforts are coordinated at EU level. Cyprus is a staunch supporter of this ongoing concerted coordination taking into account that the Health portfolio of the EU Commission is assigned to Cyprus and hence the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety is the Cypriot Stella Kyriakides.

From a panoramic angle let me say how important it is that the EU is also harnessing its scientific and technological research to fight covid – 19, and to this end has already launched my cooperative projects with Israel. The EU’s Horizon 2020 research programme is using €140 million to fund scientific teams across Europe as well as in partner countries including Israel to help find a vaccine to covid-19 quickly.  Cyprus naturally strongly supports and aims to contribute to improving diagnostics, preparedness, clinical management and treatment.

5. Do you have a message to the Israeli people at a time of war against the COVID- 19 common enemy?

My message to our partners, the people of Israel and my many Israeli friends, like Ambassador Yitzak Eldan and many members of the Ambassadors’ club, whom I thank immensely for checking on me to see how I’m doing during these times of encompassing challenge, is one of solidarity and togetherness. This is where our strength of response lies. All of us together, in synergy, shall persevere and overcome through this unidentified war terrain.

It goes without saying that Cyprus as a close neighbor but also as a close ally of Israel, continues and shall continue to stand ready to reciprocate assistance in tackling this pandemic, with every possible means, in the known spirit of unwavering solidarity that connects our two countries and our peoples.

I would, in this context, like to reach out in gratitude to every professional in the medical, health and other involved fields, who is, with dedicated compassion, sacrifice, courage and grit, spearheading the fight to curb the viral spread. We thank you – Toda Raba – Efxaristo poly!

Finally, I would like to extend my sincere wishes to all our Israeli friends for health, wellbeing and strength during this meaningful time of Passover and Easter.

Together we shall prevail, stronger and more resilient than ever. ??

I assure you that as soon as we jointly manage to effectively keep at bay this destructive health threat, your neighboring Cyprus will await each one of you and our loved ones, for a much deserved short break, with open arms!

Thessalia Salina Shambos Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the State of Israel.

CV of H.E. Ambassador Thessalia Salina Shambos

The post Meet the Ambassador: The Ambassadors’ Club Interviews Diplomats in Isolation: The Ambassador of Cyprus appeared first on Ambassadors' Club of Israel.

The Ambassadors Club of Israel celebrated with the Ambassador of Croatia to Israel Vesela Mrden Korac the 28th anniversary of an independent republic of Croatia and Croatia’s EU Presidency. The Ambassadors’ Club of Israel held a splendid event with a reception at the Beresheet Bavli Compound on January 15 to also celebrate the 9th anniversary of ACI. For nine year years, the ACI has provided a forum in which ambassadors and honorary consuls can meet informally in Israel and hopes to continue for many years ahead. The reception was followed by a cutting of the cake. It was attended by many ambassadors, honorary consuls, and members of the international community.

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The Ambassadors Club of Israel hosted the Ambassador of Guatemala to Israel H.E Mario Bucaro at a special “Meet the Ambassador Dinner”, in recognition of Guatemala’s decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem. Congratulations dear Ambassador for THE AWARD OF MERIT presented to you by our club.

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