IDI and Liberia sign a MOU

At a recently held gala in Tel Aviv, the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Liberia. The pact aims at strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries in the field of diamonds. In response to the agreement, the Israeli Diamond Industry will help the Government of Liberia establish a sound diamond infrastructure by offering services of its top diamond specialists. On its behalf, The Government of Liberia would encourage economic cooperation between the Israeli and Liberian diamond companies.

The event hosted Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, and the MOU was signed by Mr. Moti Ganz, Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute and Dr. Eugene H. Shannon, Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy of Liberia. At the ceremony President Johnson Sirleaf noted that Liberia is moving towards a system of governance for the diamond industry, and has also been admitted to the Kimberley Process in May 2007. Her visit to Israel was to revitalise the economic ties and relation, the two countries shared since the establishment of the State of Israel.

Ganz mentioned that the Israeli Diamond Industry attributes great importance to Africa in general and Liberia in particular. He said that “Liberia’s future is filled with diamonds. This agreement will enable us to create significant ties with Liberia’s emerging diamond industry. At the same time, we can contribute our experience to the Liberian government in helping to develop the infrastructure for a healthy diamond industry.” Eli Avidar, Managing Director of IDI said that Israel Diamond Industry was keen to strengthen its relations with the diamond producing countries.

Concluding this optimism, The Israeli Diamond Industry has slated to host the Third International Rough Diamond Conference between February 11 – 12, 2008 in Tel Aviv. According to Ganz, this opportunity would help strengthen the Israeli Diamond Industry’s ties with both producing countries and mining companies.