President Horacio Cartes of Paraguay inaugurated his country’s new embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, making the country the third to officially recognize Israel’s capital in this way, after the United States and Guatemala. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the ceremony at the Malha Technology Park, near the new Guatemalan embassy.
“It is an honor for me to be here today,” Cartes said. “The opening of the embassy holds special meaning, because it expresses the sincere friendship and the brave solidarity between Paraguay and Israel.”
“A great day for Israel. A great day for Paraguay. A great day for our friendship,” replied Netanyahu. “You have not only the support of our government but the profound gratitude of the people Israel.”
Netanyahu continued that “Paraguay helped the Jews escape Nazi Germany. We will never forget it. … Paraguay also supported the establishment of the State of Israel and recognized Israel at the UN. We won’t forget that, either.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that “at least half a dozen” other countries were “seriously discussing” following the US lead in moving their embassies to Jerusalem, though he did not disclose which ones.
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