Israeli President Isaac Herzog referred to Vietnam as a vibrant partner gaining significance in Southeast Asia during an event in Jerusalem on May 18 to accept the credentials from Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Ky Son.
President Herzog expressed assurance that the ambassador would play a vital role in enhancing the friendship and practical collaboration between the two nations.
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He acknowledged the encouraging developments in bilateral relations across various fields, such as trade, investment, high-tech agriculture, innovation, education and training, and people-to-people interactions, while reiterating that Israel greatly appreciates its relationship with Vietnam.
During the event, the leader conveyed his admiration for the late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and mentioned significant moments in the history of relations between the two nations, highlighting the symbolic link between the founder of contemporary Vietnam and Israel’s inaugural Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion.
Son expressed that Vietnam views Israel as a key partner in the region and desires to enhance bilateral friendship and collaboration in all areas.
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The diplomat stated he would act as a link for bilateral relations by transforming potentials and opportunities into concrete results through enhanced high-level exchanges, fortified trade and investment connections, and wider collaboration in fields where Israel excels and Vietnam has rising needs, including science and technology, innovation, start-ups, high-tech agriculture, cybersecurity, water management, healthcare, and education.
He also emphasized the significance of enhancing cooperation between localities and fostering exchanges among individuals.
The two parties also talked about possibilities for economic collaboration, emphasizing that the successful execution of the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) would generate new impetus for bilateral trade and investment in the future.
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They also talked about the intentions of Israeli airlines EL AL Airlines and Arkia Israeli Airlines to introduce more direct flights to Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City starting in late 2026, calling the action a positive indicator for enhancing trade, tourism, investment, and personal connections.
President Herzog also indicated a desire to enhance economic collaboration and trade relations between the two nations soon.