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Ambassador Richard H. Jones Remarks for Reception for

Governor Charlie Crist of Florida

May 30, 2007

Good evening everyone and welcome.  It is a true pleasure to welcome Governor Charlie Crist to Israel, the first time a Florida governor has visited Israel since 1999.  In addition to Gov. Crist, Joan and I have the pleasure of welcoming a distinguished group of federal and state government officials, including U.S. Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Alcee Hastings, and Robert Wexler; as well as Florida State Legislators Nan Rich, Dan Gelber and Adam Hasner.  The fact that this is Governor Crist’s first foreign trip as governor and the strength of his delegation underscore the importance of this mission to the State of Florida.  I hope that you have a chance to chat with Governor Crist and all the members of his impressive team during the evening.

            Governor Crist is a very experienced figure in Florida government and public service.  In the early nineties he won a seat in the Florida Senate, where he was awarded with various honors for his tireless defense of public safety and his tough stand against crime.  His service to the people of Florida continued when former Gov. Jeb Bush appointed him as Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  He later became the Florida Commissioner of Education and in 2002 was elected State Attorney General.

As most of you know, Gov. Crist is here to promote Florida trade with Israel, which is an important component of the US-Israel trade relationship that is so vital to our two countries.  It’s no secret that Miami is often called the capital of Latin America, given the amount of trade it conducts with countries south of its sandy beaches.  However, Florida’s doors are open to other parts of the world.  Florida exported over $150 million dollars of goods and services to Israel last year, and the Embassy and the Commercial Service are ready to help make sure that number continues to increase.  I’m confident that the strong personal ties between Israel and Florida, which has the third largest Jewish population in the U.S., as well as Florida’s strengths in such industries as travel and tourism, defense/aerospace and pharmaceuticals will guarantee our success in driving the Florida-Israel trade relationship forward.

The Governor is here not only to bring a message of goodwill, but also to share some of the opportunities that many Israeli businesses have already discovered in Florida.  Since arriving, he and the delegation have already met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Livni, Deputy Prime Minister Peres, Minister of Industry, Trade & Labor Yishai, and MK Netanyahu, as well as members of the life sciences business community – and that was just since yesterday afternoon.  If all goes well, the delegation will see PM Olmert tomorrow afternoon.  Perhaps the most relaxing part of Gov. Crist’s schedule was his flight from Florida, because his schedule has been non-stop since landing at Ben Gurion airport!  So, with that said, I will stop here and again thank all of you again for coming us tonight - - - I now ask that all you join me in welcoming Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, his delegations, and the rest of the VIP guests that we have with us here tonight.  Thank you.