The Israeli Economic and Cultural Office-Taipei Representative, Omer Caspi, visited the Taichung City Government offices today (September 15), where he was welcomed by Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen in person. Both parties exchanged experiences in issues such as outbreak prevention measures, culture and education. Besides commending the success of the Taichung Jazz Festival last year, Representative Caspi also invited Mayor Lu to visit Israel for further exchanges. Mayor Lu responded positively to his invitation, expressing her wishes for the outbreak to subside so that the world can begin to interact again and engage in intercity collaborations.
Mayor Lu commented that she last met the representative at the Taichung Jazz Festival last year and she is glad to welcome Representative Caspi to Taichung once again. The city government values exchanges and interactions with Israel and she hopes that both countries will be able to assist each other in international affairs in the future to facilitate new opportunities for cooperation.
Israeli Economic and Cultural Office-Taipei Representative Caspi mentioned that Taiwan holds a close relationship with Israel and that Taichung is an iconic metropolis steeped in history and culture, so that he hoped to sign relevant agreements with Taichung in the future to foster more exchanges. Furthermore, he also praised Taiwan for its successful outbreak prevention efforts and the impressive Taichung Jazz Festival last year. He hopes to have the opportunity to participate in Taichung's local cultural activities again in the future.
Mayor Lu pointed out that Taichung has clinched first place in the outbreak prevention efficacy ranking of various cities in Taiwan as announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, making it the safest city in the country. Through advanced deployment, rigorous regulations and implementation of outbreak prevention measures, together with the citizens' support, the city government will still be able to host a series of activities this year including the Xinshe Flower Sea Festival in November and the New Year's Eve celebration. She welcomed Representative Caspi to visit Taichung and thanked Israel for acknowledging Taiwan's outbreak prevention work, which resulted in the designation of Taiwan as a low-risk travel destination on August 31, exempting Taiwanese travelers from quarantine upon entering Israel.
Today, Israeli Economic and Cultural Office-Taipei Representative Omer Caspi, head of Israeli Economic and Trade Mission in Taipei Tslil Lahav and Public Relations Director Galit Cohen Caspi visited Taichung City Government. They were received by Mayor Lu in the company of Deputy Mayor Bruce Linghu, Taichung City Agriculture Bureau Deputy Director-General Tsai Yung-Sheng, Development Bureau Deputy Director-General Li I-An, Chief Secretary of Secretariat Ni Chia-Chun, Education Bureau Chief Secretary Wang Shu-I and Cultural Affairs Bureau Performing Arts Section Chief Hsiao Ching-Ping. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year is celebrated from September 18 to 20, and apples dipped in honey are consumed to symbolize a sweet new year, therefore, Mayor Lu asked the Agriculture Bureau to prepare fresh Lishan apple and award-winning Taichung High Quality Honey to wish Representative Caspi Happy New Year in advance.