PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE

Jerusalem,
30 January 2012

PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES MEETS WITH CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER JOHN BAIRD &
CANADIAN FINANCE MINISTER JIM FLAHERTY

President Shimon Peres today (Monday), 30.1.12, at his Jerusalem Residence,
met with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird and Canadian Finance Minister
Jim Flaherty http://www.fin.gc.ca/n12/12-010-eng.asp . At the start of the
meeting, the President said that, "Israel is very lucky to have your
friendship which we appreciate very much."

Canadian Foreign Minister Baird said that, "You have no better friend in the
world than Canada, no stronger ally who will stand up [for you.]. We won't
stand behind you; we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel."

President Peres and the Canadian ministers discussed bilateral cooperation
in the field of science and advanced technologies. Canadian Foreign
Minister Baird said that, "Israel is currently cooperating in these fields
with Ontario and Nova Scotia, but we are interested in broadening this
cooperation to a federal level." President Peres replied that, "There is
much potential to enhance our collaboration in the fields of Science and
Technology. Israel and Canada complete each other; Israel is small and lacks
in natural resources whereas Canada is spacious and has been blessed with
many of them. Our two countries have much to benefit from collaborating in
those areas."

For further information:

Ayelet Frish – Spokesperson for the President of Israel – 050-6205111

Meital Jaslovitz jmeital@president.gov.il – Assistant Spokesperson for the
President – 050-4205230