Boris urges even closer high-tech links as he kicks off Holy Land tour

Boris Johnson opened the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange today to mark the beginning of his three-day trade mission to Israel.

He also called for stronger technology trade links between Israel and London, urging Israeli companies to treat London as their "first priority" when expanding outside the Middle East and describing London as the "natural tech partner" for Israeli firms looking to expand.

London is currently home to 141 Israeli tech firms, out of a total 239 Israeli companies with an office in the UK, according to data collected by IVC.

Great to see 15 London Tech SMEs w/us in Tel Aviv - growth in Tech here represents incredible opportunity for London pic.twitter.com/Nt7grSuCJa
— Boris Johnson (@MayorofLondon) November 9, 2015

He said: "With access to a world class talent pool and a booming digital economy, it is no surprise that Israeli tech companies are making London their home and choosing the London Stock Exchange as their international market for expansion.”

While in Tel Aviv, Mr Johnson has also met Mayor Ron Huldai.

Mayoral mutterings #londontlvtech @JewishChron pic.twitter.com/7FTL4sGgnh
— Noga Tarnopolsky (@NTarnopolsky) November 9, 2015

Boris Johnson meets Israeli Mayor Ron Huldai

Following the meeting, Mr Johnson announced plans for a festival celebrating Tel Aviv in London in 2017.

The London Mayor said: “I am pleased to see the Embassy of Israel’s ambitions to bring a festival of Israeli culture to London in the summer of 2017. I hope this festival will demonstrate the spirit and diversity of Tel Aviv and showcase both London and Tel Aviv as two tolerant and vibrant cities.”

Mr Johnson will also be visiting Jerusalem and Ramallah on his trip and is expected to take part in a football training session with a group of young Jewish and Arab footballers who are part of a programme supported by the British Embassy.