I send warm greetings to all those gathered to mark the 70th anniversary of General Assembly resolution 181, thereby forging the basis of the international consensus that two independent states shall be established in order to achieve enduring peace. 

Resolution 181 was subsequently cited in the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel, marking the beginning of a relationship between Israel and the United Nations that has endured and deepened, even during challenging times. 

Since Israel became a Member State of the United Nations in 1949, our cooperation has come to encompass many areas – from peacekeeping and sustainable development to humanitarian challenges and disaster relief around the world.  When I visited Israel three months ago, I witnessed remarkable examples of innovation and solutions that hold promise for the developing world and for all States in fighting climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  

I am determined to strengthen this relationship.  I will continue to speak out against anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial, hate speech and the use of anti-Semitic appeals by violent extremist groups to recruit new followers.  And I will continue to do my part to help Israelis and Palestinians take the historic steps to achieve a two-state solution and attain the peace that has proven so elusive for so long.  Please accept my best wishes for this important commemoration.