Israel–Moldova relations

File:Moldovan Embassy Tel Aviv 03070.JPG

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On December 25, 1991, Israel recognized the independence of the Republic of Moldova.

{{cite web |url=https://israel.mfa.gov.md/en/content/relaţii-politico-diplomatice |title=Relaţii politico-diplomatice |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova}} On June 22, 1992, diplomatic relations were officially established between the Republic of Moldova and the State of Israel.{{cite web |url=https://israel.mfa.gov.md/en/content/relaţii-politico-diplomatice |title=1992 diplomatic relations |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova}} On November 1, 1994, the first Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the State of Israel was established in Tel Aviv, Israel at 38 Rembrandt Street.{{cite web |url=https://israel.mfa.gov.md/en/content/relaţii-politico-diplomatice |title=The first Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the State of Israel |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova}} On February 2025, the first Embassy of the State of Israel to the Republic of Moldova was established in Chișinău.https://www.gov.il/en/pages/fm-saar-inaugurated-the-israeli-embassy-in-moldova

Israeli and Moldovan officials commenced negotiations on July 31, 2023, in Jerusalem, aiming to establish a free trade agreement between the two nations. The talks were initiated by Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry, Nir Barkat, and Moldova's Ambassador to Israel, Alexandr Roitman. The proposed agreement is expected to enhance economic cooperation and boost trade by making it easier for goods to move between the two countries. Ambassador Roitman expressed optimism about the potential benefits, stating that the agreement would improve the balance of trade and create a more favorable trade regime. Several international agreements were being negotiated, including mutual recognition of driving licenses and the facilitation of hiring Moldovan caregivers in Israel. {{cite web | last=Benson | first=Pesach | title=Israel, Moldova kick off talks for free trade pact | url=https://www.jns.org/israel-news/moldova/23/8/1/306585/ | website=JNS | date=1 August 2023}}

As of 2023, Moldova exports a variety of goods to Israel, including base metals, prepared foodstuffs, textiles, footwear, and headwear. Conversely, Israel's exports to Moldova consist of machinery, textiles, rubber, plastics, chemical products, precious stones, and prepared foodstuffs.

That year, Moldovan Ambassador Alexandr Roitman declared that Moldova and Israel were entering a new phase of bilateral cooperation, marked by renewed political contacts and increased economic collaboration. He noted that after a period of limited interaction, the two nations were reestablishing ties across various sectors of mutual interest. A key event in this development was the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to Moldova on August 8, 2023, the first such visit in a decade, which was seen as a historic step towards deepening the bilateral relationship. Roitman highlighted Moldova's ongoing European Union integration process as an opportunity for enhanced cooperation with Israel, particularly in sharing expertise on implementing EU regulations. Additionally, he pointed out the growing interest from Israeli businesses in Moldova, with plans for strategic projects in agriculture and other sectors.

Roitman also mentioned that upcoming initiatives, such as the launch of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Chișinău in October 2023, would further strengthen ties by boosting tourism and business exchanges between the two nations.{{cite web | last=Roitman | first=Alexandr | title=Moldova and Israel – historic time for a strategic partnership | url=https://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/moldova-and-israel-historic-time-for-a-strategic-partnership/ | website=Israel Hayom | date=27 August 2023}}

According to Moldovan Ambassador Alexandr Roitman, security cooperation has become a crucial aspect of the partnership between Israel and Moldova, especially in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized the shared concerns of both countries regarding Iran's involvement in the war and the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran.

The Embassy of Moldova is a diplomatic mission located in Tel Aviv and is the chief diplomatic mission of Moldova in Israel. The embassy promotes Moldova's security, prosperity and well-being, and regional peace, through partnership with Israel. The embassy deals with political, commercial, security and economic questions of interest to Moldova and Israel, and provides consular assistance to Moldovan nationals residing or traveling within Israel.{{cite web|url=https://israel.mfa.gov.md/ro/content/ambasador-0|title=Embassy Goals in Israel by Ministry of Foreign Affairs|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova|access-date=2024-09-07|archive-date=2022-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810155328/https://israel.mfa.gov.md/ro/content/ambasador-0|url-status=dead}}

• Mihai Balan (September 12, 1995 – June 25, 2001){{cite web |url=https://israel.mfa.gov.md/en/content/relaţii-politico-diplomatice |title=Ambassador Mr. Mihai Balan |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova}}
• Arthur Cozma (June 25, 2001 – January 6, 2006){{cite web |url=https://israel.mfa.gov.md/en/content/relaţii-politico-diplomatice |title=Ambassador Mr. Arthur Cozma |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova}}
• Larisa Miculet (January 6, 2006 – December 23, 2011){{cite web |url=https://israel.mfa.gov.md/en/content/relaţii-politico-diplomatice |title=Ambassador Mrs. Larisa Miculet |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova}}
• Mihai Balan (December 23, 2011 – August 7, 2013){{cite web |url=https://israel.mfa.gov.md/en/content/relaţii-politico-diplomatice |title=Ambassador Mr. Mihai Balan |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova}}
• Anatol Vangheli (August 7, 2013 – ){{cite web |url=https://israel.mfa.gov.md/en/content/relaţii-politico-diplomatice |title=Ambassador Anatol Vangheli |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova}}

• Foreign relations of Israel
• Foreign relations of Moldova

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{{Foreign relations of Moldova}}

Category:Bilateral relations of Israel

Category:Bilateral relations of Moldova

Category:Israel–Moldova relations