NEW DELHI: Mr Giora Becher today took over as the first Israeli charge D Affaires as a prelude to “the embassy here.
This follows the two countries decision to have full-fledged diplomatic relations which was announced on January 29.
Mr Becher who has been serving as the Israeli consul in Bombay since July 1989 said in an interview that the embassy here was likely to have five or more diplomats
He said it might take two months for the mission to become fully functional. Till then he would operate from his hotel room here.
The external affairs ministry officials indicated that the Indian mission in Tel Aviv was also expected to be opened within two months
Mr Prabhat Shukla counselor in the Indian High commission in London is expected to be Indias first charged Affairs in Tel Aviv.
Mr Becher said he would begin his round of meeting the senior officials of the external affairs ministry from tomorrow.
Asked about India’s keenness to benefit from Israel’s expertise in tackling the menace of terrorism Mr Becher said he had seen the Statement of the defence minister Mr Sharad Pawar in this regard.
“We are open to any proposal for cooperation in any field and will explore the possibility in any field depending on the requirement of the Indian government and the ability of Israel to respond.” the new Israeli charged” Affaires said
He saw immense possibilities of cooperation between India and Israel in the fields of agriculture and industry.
Mr Becher said some Israeli Businessmen had already visited India.
Israel he said possessed expertise in irrigation methods and water management in semi-desert areas such as in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Israeli companies were keen to share their know-how with heir Indian counter parts and have joint ventures in Hi-Tech area with the idea of re-exporting products to third countries.
India Mr Becher said could serve a gateway to Asia for Israel.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 6, 1992
