Dozens of world leaders on Thursday offered congratulatory messages and happy birthday greetings to Israel, as the Jewish state marks its 74th Independence Day.
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"The long and close friendship between our countries began the moment the United States became the first country in the world to recognize Israel as an independent state, just eleven minutes after your founding. And in 74 years of progress and partnership, we have achieved so much together, from collaborating on cutting-edge science and technology research to trailblazing new regional ties, to ensuring Israel's security.
"The partnership between Israel and the United States has been indispensable for the United States and I believe for Israel as well. Our ties are unbreakable and I am proud to stand with Israel today and always. Happy Independence Day!"
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted, "Wishing Israel and my friends Isaac Herzog and Naftali Bennett a very happy Independence Day. The UK has always stood by Israel and its right to live as any nation should be able to – in peace, prosperity and security."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country "is proud to have been one of the first countries to formally recognize Israel in 1948. Canada will continue to oppose efforts to isolate Israel in international fora, and we will continue to stand against any attacks on the values we share."
Trudeau reiterated Canada's "commitment to a continued, prosperous, and valuable relationship between the people of Israel and Canada, as well as lasting peace in the Middle East."
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said, "On the occasion of Israel's 74th Independence Day, and on behalf of my fellow citizens, I send you my best wishes. Seventy-four years ago, Theodor Herzl's dream of a homeland for the Jewish People came true. Conscious of the heavy historical guilt of Nazi crimes against the Jewish People, we Germans are deeply moved by Israel's friendship. For this unique and new trust, we will always be grateful."
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement, "You know of my profound attachment to Israel. The closeness between our two countries is rooted in the richness of our human ties, which unite us. You can count on me to reinforce this at all levels, including at the European Union. I wish all of you a Happy Independence Day. Please accept my personal friendship and the friendship of France."
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a statement saying, "Since China and Israel established diplomatic relations 30 years ago, the two countries have had close exchanges at all levels, with continued growth of cooperation and deepened friendship between the two peoples. During our phone call last year, we reached broad consensus on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
"As I attach high importance to the China-Israel relationship, I'd like to work with you to deepen mutual political trust between China and Israel, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, expand friendly exchanges, and elevate the China-Israel innovative comprehensive partnership to a new height. May the State of Israel enjoy prosperity and its people happiness."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who hosted President Isaac Herzog on a historic state visit in March, wrote: "In the new period in our relations I sincerely believe that the cooperation between our countries will develop in a way that serves our mutual national interests, as well as regional peace and stability."
Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "I sincerely congratulate you on the Independence Day of the State of Israel. I am confident that Russian-Israeli relations based on the principles of friendship and mutual respect will continue to develop for the benefit of our peoples and in favor of strengthening peace and security in the Middle East.
"I wish you good health and every success, as well as happiness and prosperity to all the citizens of Israel."
King Felipe VI of Spain sent Herzog his "most cordial congratulations to Your Excellency. Please accept, Mr. President, my best wishes for the personal welfare, peace, and prosperity of the beloved people of the State of Israel."
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said "the potential for cooperation between our countries is boundless and we are keen on expanding its scope," while Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that "even though this is a new chapter, the history of the relations between our two countries is very old. I hope that we would be able to further deepen our relations in the years ahead."
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Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades hailed the "extraordinary deepening and widening of the strategic relationship between the governments of Cyprus and Israel on all fronts and the reinforcement of ties between our people."
Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou noted that "Greece and Israel, two countries with long historic legacies, have achieved within such a short time a deep and strategic relation."
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan said that Tokyo and Jerusalem will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations this year, adding that he was "determined to lift the Japan-Israel relations to a new height and to contribute toward the realization of Middle East peace. I wish further progress and prosperity of Israel and great happiness of the people of Israel."
Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez said the Israeli Independence Day "inspires us deeply because of the resilience of the Jewish people, which has turned Israel into a people of development and innovation."
Czech President Milos Zeman said, "Israel is a country of my heart and my second home. This is why I say publicly, paraphrasing John F. Kennedy, I am a Jew! Ani Yehudi! I wish you courage, freedom, and full independence."
Herzog received celebratory messages from many other leaders as well, including South Korea, the Netherlands, Thailand, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Malta, Ireland, Belarus, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Romania, and Australia, to name a few.
