Israeli Ambassador to Korea Tuvia Israeli highlighted the role of innovation in his nation’s history during a reception for the 65th anniversary of Israeli national independence in Seoul on Thursday.

A book about innovation in Israel’s national development, which is being promoted by the Park Geun-hye government, was highlighted during the reception.

“We are willing to share our experience in innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said. “We will encourage and welcome cooperation and partnership in fields such as research and development in technology, life sciences, renewable energy toward a better future for our two countries and the entire world.”

The 2009 book “Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle” lays out the case that innovation played a critical role in the development of Israel as a country.

“We believe that based on the excellent relations between Israel and Korea, we can add an important element of bilateral relations,” Israeli said during welcome remarks at the reception.

The Middle East country’s top diplomatic representative in Korea said his embassy welcomed the fact that the new Korean government placed great emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation as an engine for economic growth.

The book was very recently translated into Korean by Yoon Jong-lok, who became vice minister in the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning in the newly minted Park Geun-hye government.

“It is the Jewish brain and the willingness to undertake challenging tasks and to work hard. It is persistence and patience and daring, and even chutzpah,” Israeli said.

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)