After 17 years: Israel and Venezuela renew consular relations

Israel and Venezuela have agreed to renew consular relations following talks held in recent weeks between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia. As part of the agreement, a coordination mechanism will be established to facilitate the provision of consular services to citizens of both countries.

This move creates an official channel of communication between Israel and Venezuela, which have not maintained diplomatic relations since 2009. The joint statement also emphasized the enduring connection between Israel and the Jewish community in Venezuela.

Furthermore, the countries agreed to continue technical cooperation following emergency and recovery efforts related to the earthquake damage. An Israeli aid delegation, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Home Front Command, traveled to Venezuela after the earthquakes on June 24 to provide professional assistance in disaster response and recovery operations.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement was reached following the visit of the Israeli humanitarian delegation and subsequent high-level talks. Both governments recognize the importance of the ties between Israel and the Jewish community in Venezuela, viewing them as a bridge of historical friendship between the two nations.