Reagan Greets Israeli President

President Reagan today told Israeli President Chaim Herzog that the United States is as “ready as ever” to help build a lasting peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Reagan made the remarks in a welcoming ceremony in the East Room for the first Israeli president ever to make a state visit to Washington. There have been many visits by Israeli prime ministers, who are the heads of government. The occasion was the 40th anniversary of the creation of the state of Israel. Herzog, 57, is on a visit to enhance Israeli-American relations, Israeli officials stressed. As president he has no political power and is not authorized to conduct talks affecting the Middle East peace process.