WATCH: Stephen Harper is in the Middle East now for his first official visit. Global National’s Ottawa bureau chief Jacques Bourbeau is on the ground with the prime minister.
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Stephen Harper “a great friend of Israel and the Jewish people” at a welcoming ceremony for the Canadian prime minister on Sunday.
Netanyahu said Harper has shown “great moral leadership” in fighting terrorism and also lauded Harper for his stands on anti-Semitism, Iran and Middle East peace.
“I think in all this and in so many other things you`ve shown courage, clarity and conviction,” Netanyahu said.
“The people of Israel and I deeply appreciate your friendship, and the friendship of the people of Canada to us.”
READ MORE: Harper to become first Canadian leader to address Israeli parliament
Harper said he was delighted to be in Israel but would save further comments for his speech to the Knesset on Monday.
Harper and a sizable entourage landed in Tel Aviv under sunny skies at Ben Gurion International Airport.
WATCH: Stephen Harper met by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a welcoming ceremony.
He and his wife, Laureen, were greeted by Avigdor Lieberman, Israel’s foreign affairs minister, and by Vivian Bercovici, Canada’s ambassador-designate to the Jewish state.
They then travelled to nearby Mount of Olives, named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes, to take in the view of the Old City of Jerusalem.
The Mount of Olives is important in Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions, and has been used a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years.
READ MORE: Stephen Harper leaves today for Middle East trip
After their arrival in Jerusalem, a welcoming ceremony will be held at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The prime minister left Ottawa yesterday with a large entourage in tow on a six-day trip that will include visits to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan.
Harper is travelling with six cabinet ministers, a senator, 30 top business executives that include David Asper, Philip Reichmann and Air Canada CEO and president Calin Rovinescu. Twenty-one rabbis and a priest are also along for the ride.
In total, there are just over 100 people in the entourage, and Canadian taxpayers will be covering the entire cost of travel and accommodations for at least 30 of them.
Stephen Harper has been a passionate supporter of Israel, and on Monday will have the honour of becoming the first Canadian prime minister to address the Knesset – Israel’s parliament.
Spokesman Jason MacDonald says Harper will promote commercial relations, as well as peace and security in the region, when he meets with Israeli leaders and, later in the week, with the King of Jordan.
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