Rep. Dennis M. O’Brien
Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Jeanne H. Schmedlen
Director of Special Projects and Chief of Protocol
(717) 705-1894
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2008
Pa. House welcomes Consul General of Israel
HARRISBURG -- Calling him an “outstanding global diplomat and friend,” Speaker of the House Dennis M. O’Brien welcomed the Mid-Atlantic States’ Consul General of Israel, Uriel Palti, to the House Chamber today.
Palti and his wife, Ayelet, are stationed in Philadelphia. He came to Harrisburg at the invitation of Rep. Joshua Shapiro (D-Phila.) who introduced the Consul General before the diplomat’s brief address to the House.
“Visits like this are valuable in building mutual understanding and friendship,” O’Brien said. “We have so much to learn from one another across the globe. By taking the time for exchanges like this, we truly can be educated about each other.”
“Our greatest ally in the Middle East is Israel and it was an honor to welcome Israel’s Consul General to the State House today,” said Shapiro. “The members of America’s oldest State House today showed its support for one of America’s oldest and strongest allies by receiving my friend, Uri Palti. This visit will foster collaboration and communication between Pennsylvania and Israel.”
“These international visits by foreign dignitaries strengthen bonds and lay the groundwork of working together for years to come. Sharing information and ideas with our foreign visitors helps both of our communities grow and prosper,” O’Brien said.
This was the eighth international delegation to visit the Capitol during the current legislative session. Other delegations came from countries such as Argentina, Russia, Indonesia, Denmark and China. In July, Speaker O’Brien hosted the Army War College 2007-2008 Fellows, all colonels in their respective nations’ armies, who represented 42 different countries from across the globe.
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