President Reuven Rivlin on Monday night stressed the importance of Israel’s friendship with the United States, as he prepared to depart on a visit to Washington DC, and New York, during which he will meet with President Obama, and be present as guest of honor at the traditional White House Hanukkah candle lighting.

“I am leaving now on a visit the United States, the focal point of which will be a meeting with the President. I have always celebrated Hanukkah together with my family and grandchildren, but if I must be away, I am pleased that it will be in the USA, alongside our strongest and closest ally,” said Rivlin before his departure.

“The friendship between Israel and the United States is an expression of a deep bond. It is the bond between two countries, and between two peoples, and I intend to express to the President, in the name of all the people, Israel’s appreciation for the uncompromising support of the United States, in each moment, and in every situation,” he continued.

“These are days of great regional instability, and a far from simple security situation in Israel,” added Rivlin. “It is my intention to discuss these challenges with President Obama, alongside the ongoing discussion about the common values which we share – values of freedom and democracy – and I am in no doubt that the array of meetings planned during this visit will serve to further strengthen and deepen the relations between our peoples.”

Rivlin’s meeting with Obama was announced last month, shortly after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu visited Washington and met with Obama.

During the visit, the President will also hold meetings with senior American administration officials, and deliver an address at the Brookings Institute. Before the conclusion of his visit, the President will participate in a Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony together with Ambassadors to the UN from around the world.