Felicitating Israeli
statesman and Nobel Laureate, Shimon Peres, on becoming the
ninth President of the country, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
hoped the growing bilateral relations between the two
countries will further strengthen.
Kalam, in his congratulatory message to Peres, said
the bilateral relations between the two countries have grown
in a comprehensive manner since the establishment of
diplomatic relations 15-years ago.
Lauding Peres' role in strengthening Indo-Israel ties,
he said bilateral relations and mutual cooperation on other
matters will further strengthen the ties between the two
countries.
Peres was the first Israeli foreign minister to visit
India in 1993 and has often lauded India as the "greatest
example of tolerance".
Appreciating India's spirit of co-existence, the Nobel
laureate once said the world community could learn lessons
from "India's commitment to democracy and its democratic
management of a complex pluralist society."
Congratulatory messages poured in from several world
leaders for Peres, who enjoys immense respect across the world
as a moderate leader who has worked for peace.
Pope Benedict XVI, in his message asked him to work
for peace in the region, saying, "Countless people in the
world, as well as the citizen of Israel, expect you to
encourage the relevant governments and bodies to do all that
is possible to promote peace."
Former US president Bill Clinton, terming him the best
candidate for the position said, "Hillary and I wish our
friend Shimon much success. We know he is the best candidate
for the position of the President. This is a critical time for
Israel and we hope that Shimon Peres will lift it up."
Former British prime minister Tony Blair, who was
recently appointed the envoy of the 'Quartet' of Middle East
peacemakers, in his message said, "He's (Peres) somebody who
has the sort of experience and insight that is really doing
something not just to Israel and to the region but to the
wider world... It's a big challenge but I know he's fully up
to it".
Peres, in his speech, after the swearing in ceremony
said that he will continue to work for peace in the region.
"When opportunity for peace is created, it mustn't be
missed," Peres said.