Flemish Minister-President Kris Peeters arrived in Israel at the head of a deputation composed of Belgian businessmen and industrialists, as well as the heads of the seven major Flemish universities, all of whom are seeking to strengthen their country’s economic and scientific ties with Israel in areas ranging from research and development, to energy and prospecting for oil and gas.
Minister-President Peeters arrived at the Yad Kennedy site, with its magnificent view of Aminadav Forest, accompanied by his entourage, which included Belgium’s Ambassador to Israel Mrs. Bénédicte Frankinet and Israel’s Ambassador to Belgium Mr. Jacques Revach. KKL-JNF representative Avinoam Binder welcomed the deputation and told the honored guests about the history of Yad Kennedy, KKL-JNF’s afforestation activities and the symbolism of the structure that overlooks the Judean Hills and Israel’s coastal plain.
In the course of the ceremony, the Minister-President of Flanders expressed his thanks for the opportunity to plant a tree in Israel. “For me it is an expression of respect. Planting symbolizes life, the future, dialogue and peace.”