The Daily Journal.- The Venezuelan government reached an agreement with the State of Israel to activate a coordination mechanism to provide consular services in both countries. The decision follows a visit by an Israeli technical delegation that assisted in the Caribbean nation after the earthquakes that struck on June 24, according to a statement from Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry.
Both countries highlighted the historical importance of Venezuela’s Jewish community as a bridge between the two peoples. They will also continue the bilateral technical cooperation that emerged in response to the emergency caused by the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes.
The Israeli delegation, with support from the local Jewish community and specialists including senior Israel Defense Forces officer Elad Edri, helped assess collapsed infrastructure, develop contingency plans, and manage debris.
The move marks a shift in Venezuela’s foreign policy. It represents the first formal step toward normalizing diplomatic relations since January 2009, when former President Hugo Chávez severed ties with Tel Aviv. The resumption of consular services restores an institutional channel after more than 17 years without bilateral diplomatic services.
