Israeli President Rivlin signs academic agreements in South Korea

Rivlin signed academic cooperation agreements with South Korea on Wednesday.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who is in South Korea, signed a series of agreements on academic cooperation on Wednesday between Israel academic institutions and their Korean counterparts.

Prof. Yaffa Zilbershats, who heads the Israeli academic delegation, accompanied the president.

“Higher education is the key to mutual understanding, to universal solidarity to prosperity and peace. That is because science is blind to color, to nationality, to gender or to race. Science builds us as a stronger, more open nation, Rivlin said.

“For both South Korea and Israel, learning, education, and excellence are the highest goal. For both people, education lies at the heart of every family’s dream,” the president said.

“For both people, education is the key for social and economic mobility. It is the power that drives forward not only individuals, but also the entire nation. Korean diligence and academic achievements have become a model for the entire world.”

Rivlin has been in the country since Sunday. Following the signing, he toured the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

On Monday, Rivlin met with South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in.

“I believe that Israel and South Korea can work together to spread the blessings of technology and innovation throughout the Middle East,” Rivlin said.

Moon Jae-in agreed, responding, “I believe that we can significantly advance bilateral ties and that if we succeed in concluding the free trade agreement soon, our economic cooperation will expand and be reflected in greater investment, trade and more.”

Memorandums of understanding between the two countries in the field of energy and education were signed at that meeting.

Rivlin presented Moon Jae-in with a Talmud at the meeting. South Koreans are reportedly fascinated with the Jewish method of group study connected to the Talmud, in which students study in pairs and debate and ask questions based on the ancient texts.

South Koreans spend “$17 billion on private tutoring every year,” according to a JTA report.

Reuven RivlinSouth Korea