In the context of President Javier Milei’s official visit to the State of Israel, Foreign Minister Diana Mondino, member of the small delegation accompanying the Argentine president, engaged in a comprehensive agenda including meetings with high-ranking local authorities and prominent Israeli business figures.
The Foreign Minister was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Yisrael Katz, with whom she emphasized the current state of the bilateral relationship that commemorates its 75th anniversary this year. The bilateral relationshipp has gained new momentum since President Milei took office, with a diversified agenda extending beyond strictly commercial matters.
During the meeting, Mondino expressed to Katz that Argentina intends to further deepen the relationship in political, economic, scientific, and cultural fields. She expressed the hope to continue working with Israel to strengthen the historic bonds of friendship and cooperation between both countries. Mondino also highlighted the crucial role of the Jewish community in Argentina and its key contribution in various fields.
The Minister underscored the interest in expanding and diversifying bilateral trade, currently below its potential. She reaffirmed Argentina's position as a global leader in the food market, capable of contributing to Israel's food security with high-quality agro-industrial products. She also stated that the Argentine government aims to foster deeper collaboration to attract larger Israeli investments, expressing readiness to host Israeli business missions.
Furthermore, the Ministers signed an Administrative Agreement for the Implementation of the Convention on Social Security, with the participation of Israel's Minister of Labor, Yoav Ben-Tzur.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Foreign Minister Mondino reiterated Argentina's condemnation of Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, expressing concern about the escalation of violence and Argentina’s position on the question of Middle East. Both Ministers emphasized the importance of the numerous calls made by the Argentine government for the urgent release of hostages in Gaza, including Argentine nationals.
Mondino also reiterated the full commitment of President Milei's Government to ensuring justice for the victims of the 1992 Embassy of Israel bombing and the 1994 attack on the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA).
The Foreign Minister met with relatives of hostages held by Hamas, reaffirming Argentina's call for the urgent and immediate release of all. The next of kin appreciated the government's efforts and shared the painful process they are going through, marked by deep uncertainty but also unwavering hope of reuniting with their loved ones.
Previously, Mondino had accompanied President Milei in a meeting with businessmen of different nationalities, during which the Argentine President explained the country's economic situation and political outlook.
Additionally, Mondino held a working meeting with Israel's Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Ofir Akunis, to discuss possibilities to enhance cooperation on innovation and technological products. They highlighted the export development and human capital capacity of Argentine companies and startups in the sector.
Lastly, the Foreign Minister met with Israel's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Avi Dichter. Mondino emphasized the need to explore more vigorously the cooperation opportunities offered by the agricultural sector food, machinery, water resource management, and biotechnology, in the context of complementary of both economies.
