Israeli president launches YouTube channel

JERUSALEM, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli President Shimon Peres on Tuesday opened his own channel on the famous YouTube video sharing website, with a primary goal of connecting to netizens across the world.

"Welcome to my YouTube channel. I am so glad to speak to you and no less, to listen to you. I would like to share with you my dreams, my thoughts, and I would like also to hear your dreams and your thoughts," the 86-year-old political veteran said in his recorded greeting.

Joined by YouTube founder Chad Hurley at a special event, the president said that his primary goal is to connect to citizens of Israel and the world. "I think, communication is one of the greatest things we have in our life. Let's talk, let's dream, let's laugh in order to make our world better and our lives more meaningful," he said.

The president's office said in a statement that Peres will send festival greetings to people all over the world through the channel, and will also host virtual press conferences in which he will answer questions from global viewers.

In addition, Peres has uploaded to his channel some important speeches, including his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance address, as well as a number of video clips of key events and comedic movies.