The Camp David peace treaty between Israel and Egypt is strong and sturdy and will withstand the regional upheaval, says Egypt's outgoing ambassador to Israel, Yasser Ridah.

"The peace agreement has proven itself over many years," Ridah told officials from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Israel Radio reported Wednesday morning.

Speaking at a special event in his honor in Jerusalem with senior officials from the ministry, Ridah said that a new generation is rising up now in Egypt, and so relations between Israel and Egypt in areas such as finance and culture must now be expanded. In addition, the resolution of the situation with the Palestinians would also positively influence bilateral relations, he said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon addressed the event, and said that Israel greatly appreciates Ridah's unique contribution to bilateral relations between the countries and the he firmly believes Ridah will continue to be a true partner to these relations in the future.

Ridah has served as Egypt's ambassador to Israel for the last four years and will be succeeded by Suleiman Atef, previously Egypt's consul in Eilat.