Israel and Venezuela renew relations for the first time since 2009: "A great opportunity"
Former President Hugo Chavez severed relations following Operation Cast Lead, leading to years of stagnation. The change of government in Caracas created an opportunity that was utilized with the arrival of the aid delegation following the earthquake. Now, a decision has been made to send an additional delegation regarding energy and to activate consular services between the countries.
It all started on a dark night at the beginning of January. In a special operation, special forces of the US Army raided the home of then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This raid led to massive changes in Caracas, and together with the earthquakes that brought widespread destruction and thousands of deaths in the South American country, led to a significant change in its policy, including towards Israel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday the renewal of consular relations between Israel and Venezuela, which have not maintained diplomatic relations since 2009. It was agreed to establish a coordination mechanism that will allow the provision of consular services to citizens of both countries. In addition, it was agreed to continue cooperation within the framework of emergency and recovery efforts from the earthquake damage.
The joint statement said:
"Following the visit of the Israeli humanitarian delegation to Venezuela after the double earthquake and in continuation of the talks held between senior officials from both sides, the two countries agreed to allow the continuation of bilateral technical cooperation resulting from the emergency and recovery efforts."
During the last few weeks, talks were held between the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Cabinet member Eli Cohen, and his counterparts in the Venezuelan government. In the talks, it was agreed to create cooperation in the field of energy, where Venezuela is a leading player, as well as in the fields of trade, innovation, and technology. Also, it was agreed that a professional delegation would depart from Israel to Venezuela.
Relations between Israel and Venezuela were severed in 2009 by Caracas in protest against Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announced at the time that the decision was made by then-President Hugo Chavez because "Israel is persecuting the Palestinian people in an inhumane way." Now, for the first time since then, an opportunity has arisen for the renewal of relations. After the earthquake that struck Venezuela in June, an Israeli rescue delegation went to the country and received praise from the new President Delcy Rodriguez.
Venezuela is one of the most important energy countries in the world and holds the largest proven oil reserves — about 303 billion barrels. However, its production volume today is significantly lower than its potential, partly due to the state of infrastructure and the need for investment. These data make it a key potential player in the global energy market.
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen addressed the renewal of relations:
"The aid delegation to Venezuela expresses Israeli solidarity and standing by the people of Venezuela in their difficult hour. Now we have a great opportunity before us to create cooperation that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of both countries, by combining Israel's knowledge and technology with Venezuela's energy resources."
