Israel and Venezuela have agreed to restore consular ties and establish an official coordination channel after 17 years without diplomatic relations. The countries announced this in a joint statement on Tuesday.
This step establishes an official coordination channel between Israel and Venezuela, which have not maintained diplomatic relations since 2009. The agreement resulted from negotiations over the past weeks and days between Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia.
During the negotiations, the parties agreed to create a coordination mechanism that will provide consular services to citizens of both countries. The statement also emphasizes the importance of ties between the State of Israel and the Jewish community of Venezuela.
Cooperation after earthquake and humanitarian crisis
Following a large-scale earthquake and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, the parties also agreed to continue cooperation in emergency response and recovery. Israel sent a delegation to the country in June, which has since helped tens of thousands of Venezuelans return to their homes.
The Venezuelan government’s acceptance of Israeli aid comes amid the absence of diplomatic relations between the countries since 2009. According to officials, at least 5,000 people died after the earthquake.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
