Seeing Mr Matityau riding on an elephant in the Central Highland province of Dak Lak and talking to local people, it’s hard to recognise that he is an Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam as he looked like an adventurous tourist.

 

During more than three years of working in Vietnam, Ambassador Matityau has traveled to many places and taken part in various charitable programmes. He has made significant contributions to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries through practical activities, such as organising seminars and cultural exchanges, facilitating trade promotion and providing free healthcare services in rural areas.

 

Riding on an elephant, Ambassador Matityau (red shirt) looked like an adventurous tourist

Speaking to a VOV reporter, the Israeli Ambassador expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in recent times, particularly in the fields of poverty reduction, urban development and international integration.

 

He said, “I witnessed major changes in the Vietnamese economy and society. Vietnamese people are much more international in their attitude, much more connected to the world. I see that in every corner of the country, people are longing and willing to become a part of the world.”

 

“Vietnam is one of the most interesting countries in the world thanks to its amazing changes,” he said. “Your country’s changes are visible in all aspects of life. Significantly, you can feel it, you can touch it and it is impressive”.

 

In July 2008, the Ambassador led an Israeli business delegation to Vietnam comprised of representatives from leading corporations to explore investment opportunities in the local market. He met with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and expressed his wish to promote economic, trade and investment cooperation with Vietnam.

 

The two countries have great potential for cooperation in the areas of oil and gas exploration and exploitation, refinery construction, energy, insurance, banking, hotels and tourism, he said.

 

According to Ambassador Matityau, the bilateral trade turnover has shown a steady annual growth of about 15 percent. The last three years saw an increase of major Israeli investors in Vietnam operating in the shipping industry as well as a rise in the purchase of ships from Vietnam worth about US$1.2-1.3 billion. Moreover, Israel is also keen to cooperate with Vietnam which is entering the fast lane of the telecommunications industry.

 

He went on to say that he considers bilateral relations with Vietnam as both challenging and unique opportunity in the political field but also in other areas Vietnam is facing as Israel did in the past.

 

“We have found very reasonable solutions and I think that we are able to share know-how and technology with you. Many Israeli enterprises, especially agricultural ones, are present in Vietnam to introduce new technology,” the Ambassador said.

 

Recently, Ambassador Matityau who was accompanied by a number of representatives from Israeli businesses visited to the central highland province of Dak Lak, to gain first-hand knowledge of the coffee and rubber industries there.

 

Apart from seeking opportunities to cooperate with Vietnamese businesses, Mr Matityau revealed that Israel plans to receive 200-300 Vietnamese students for two training courses in agriculture in Israel next year.

 

In his free time, the Israeli diplomat enjoyed driving to different areas in Vietnam, including those in mountainous regions and he described the heavy traffic on Vietnamese roads as “well-organised chaos”.

 

He confided that since he drove himself thousands of kilometers from Hanoi to the north-western and central regions, he has earned a reputation as being a “heroic” driver.

 

“You have one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever known. I have had the chances to travel to many remote areas in the north such as Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu and Son La or to the Central Highlands like Kon Tum. Each area has its own lifestyle and people but everywhere you go, you see smiles. I was really impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of the people in all the localities I have been to,” he said.

 

The Ambassador added that he likes to drive during the Tet (New Year Festival) as at this time in Vietnam the roads are empty.

 

Since he took office in Vietnam in 2005, he has carried out many charitable activities and the Israeli Embassy has sent some voluntary medical staff to help people in remote areas.

 

“A 50-strong mission recently spent three days treating nearly 3,000 people in the Central Highlands. And we also sent another team to central Quang Binh province last year to help 6,000 people for one week. We are going to organize a trip for eye doctors in December.”

 

“We always keep in touch with charitable organizations and cooperate with them to hold many events with the aim of seeing smiles on people’s faces,” he said.

 

While talking about his love for Vietnam, the kind-hearted Israeli diplomat kept silent for a while and said, “It is obvious that I will return to a place I miss a lot. Therefore, I will certainly come back to Vietnam where I have a lot of memories and friends.”