14 May 2008
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel:
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to congratulate the people of Israel on the 60th anniversary of their country's founding. Israel is a symbol of the triumph of hope and faith. Founded three years after the Holocaust, it is one of the great miracles of modern history. Over the past six decades, Israel has blossomed into a land of ingenuity and enterprise, an oasis of agricultural genius, a wellspring of fine art and high culture, a model of democracy.
"We count ourselves among Israel's staunchest friends. Canada has supported Israel and its right to live in peace and security with its neighbours since its creation in 1948.
"Canada warmly welcomes the strong partnership that has developed between our two countries-a partnership we look forward to strengthening, including in important areas such as security, trade and investment.
"At the heart of relations between Canada and Israel is the dynamism of our shared communities. We look forward to the next 60 years and beyond."
