Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper got a "rock-star welcome" as he started a four-day visit in Israel on Sunday.
"We're delighted to see you both here," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Harper and his wife Laureen.
Harper, an evangelical Christian, is one of Israel’s most unabashedly staunch allies.
"Prime Minister Harper, my good friend Stephen, welcome to Jerusalem. It's a pleasure for Sara and me to welcome you and Laureen here to our country. I have to say, Stephen, that you are a great friend of Israel and the Jewish people. I'm not just saying that – I mean it deeply from the bottom of my heart and I speak for all the people of Israel,’’ he added.
He continued: ‘’This world is often cynical and hypocritical, and you have shown great moral leadership. When it comes to fighting terrorism, you know that there cannot be any politically correct double talk, but only unequivocal condemnation and united international action.’’
‘’When it comes to anti-Semitism, you have stood up unabashedly at the side of Israel and the entire Jewish people, I think at the side of decency and fairness to everyone: Jews and non-Jews alike. And when it comes to Iran's repeated calls for Israel's annihilation and its unrelenting development of nuclear weapons – you and Canada have stood unflinchingly on the right side of history.’’
Harper, who leads a large delegation including 21 rabbis and 27 chief executives of Canadian companies, will address the Knesset, Israel's parliament, on Monday, making history as the first Canadian Prime Minister to do so.
On Tuesday, he will be the guest of honour at a reception dinner in Jerusalem and 400 people will reportedly attend.
His spokesman Jason MacDonald said Harper will promote commercial relations during his visit, as well as peace and security in the region, when he meets Israeli leaders and, later in the week, the king of Jordan, where Harper will be visiting a Syrian refugee camp.