Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met on Monday with Colombian President Ivan Duque, who is in Israel for a state visit.
The two leaders discussed a variety of topics, including bilateral cooperation regarding environmental innovation, trade and common security challenges, according to a statement from Bennett’s office. Bennett thanked President Duque for the addition of Hezbollah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to Colombia’s list of terrorist entities.
Israel and Colombia ratified a free-trade agreement in 2020, in what then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called “a historic moment” in the two countries’ relations. Colombia also announced its decision to create an innovation office in the Israeli capital, the opening of which is the main reason for Duque’s current visit.
The Israeli premier added that during their meeting they had discussed the “vast opportunities” that existed for bilateral cooperation in a variety of fields, from climate to security.
Prior to meeting with Bennett, Duque visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City in what the Israeli premier called “a very meaningful gesture for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.”
“I can tell you confidently that it’s also going to bring you good fortune. There’s a short communication line to the Almighty over there,” said Bennett.