Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will visit Israel next week where he will be received by Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu.
During his visit, Sarkozy will receive an honorary diploma from an academic institution in Netanya, at which numerous French-speaking students are enrolled.
According to the college, “ Nicolas Sarkozy has long been a friend of the State of Israel and has always fought against anti-Semitism with the strongest force, wherever it arises”.
The former head of state will also meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres whilst in Israel. According to sources, Sarkozy will receive an official state welcome on his arrival in the Jewish State.
According to French media, since leaving office a year ago, the ex-President has embarked on a diplomatic track, developing relationships with key global leaders including Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Dilma Roussef in Brazil, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York, as well as EU Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso.
Sarkozy has also maintained written correspondence with US President Barack Obama. The former President even called key ally during his time in office German Chancellor Angela Merkel to wish her happy birthday.
Since his political demise last May, Sarkozy has addressed numerous international conference forums in New York, Shanghai and Doha. A key member of his entourage has indicated the former UMP leader will use his reputation on the international stage to help support a return to front line politics when the opportunity arises.