Mr. Katzav will try to strengthen relations with the Jewish communities "down under", as well as promote contacts with Australian businessmen. Nineteen investors and business executives from Israel will accompany the president.
The trip comes on the heels of another first in Israel-Australia relations. Israel and the Australian state of Victoria recently signed a $12 million research-and-development agreement, obligating each country to a contribution of $6 million. The agreement was signed in Israel during a recent visit by the treasurer of Victoria, a leader in the country's biotechnology research.
President Katzav plans to meet with Jewish leaders in Melbourne, the major city in Victoria, Sydney and Canberra, and will talk with school students in order to tighten the bond with Israel.
The trip comes on the heels of another first in Israel-Australia relations. Israel and the Australian state of Victoria recently signed a $12 million research-and-development agreement, obligating each country to a contribution of $6 million. The agreement was signed in Israel during a recent visit by the treasurer of Victoria, a leader in the country's biotechnology research.
President Katzav plans to meet with Jewish leaders in Melbourne, the major city in Victoria, Sydney and Canberra, and will talk with school students in order to tighten the bond with Israel.