The Central Arava was honored to host the Australian ambassador to Israel, Mr. James Larsen, for a two-day visit. The ambassador toured the region from north to south, visiting Partnership 2000's Partnership Hill, the regional Research and Development Station, the Faran Lookout Point, the young settlement of Tsukim, Moshav Tsofar's fields in Jordanian territory, and newly-planted acacia trees on Moshav Hazeva. The ambassador was extremely impressed by how the farmers of the region make a respectable living from farming, and compared their situation with that of farmers in Australia who must cope with the same problems faced by farmers in the Arava: little water and a sparse population in an arid region.

The ambassador planted a tree at the Idan Reservoir against the backdrop of the desert landscape and noted that Australia and Israel have a great deal of understanding, cooperation, and empathy towards the problems that they must cope with in the desert - particularly those of water management and developing new sources of water.

The ambassador was the guest of honor at a barbeque at the Ein Yahav home of Ami and Shula Shaham, who are among the most veteran settlers in the region; Shula is also known to many of our Australian partners as one of the first and most active members of the AAP (Arava - Australia Partnership) group. The Partnership was additionally ably represented by Peter Rabin, Partnership 2000 Steering Committee Co-chair, who enjoyed the evening with the ambassador and other guests from the region.