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Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Boonyarit Vichienpuntu
.President Herzog Receives Diplomatic Credentials of First Residential Ambassador of Fiji and New Ambassador of Thailand to Israel
On February 3, 2026, President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassadors to Israel of Fiji and Thailand in formal ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the first-ever residential Ambassador of Fiji to Israel, Mr. Jesoni Vitusagavulu, President Herzog congratulated Fiji on its historic decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem as a significant step in the development of bilateral relations between Israel and Fiji.
Earlier, President Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of Thailand, Mr. Boonyarit Vichienpuntu. President Herzog praised the strong relations between Israel and Thailand and cited new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of innovation, agriculture, and tourism.
In his remarks at the ceremony, President Herzog said, “I am honored to welcome the first-ever Ambassador of Fiji to Israel in Jerusalem. This is a fantastic moment, and we are very moved. Fiji is a dear friend of Israel, and we pray for and love your country. The future of so many important global issues depends on the Pacific region, including in the maritime sphere, climate, and energy.”
Photo: President Herzog with Ambassador of Fiji, H.E. Mr. Jesoni Vitusagavulu
Ambassador Vitusagavulu of Fiji conveyed the best wishes of the people of Fiji to Israel, saying "I am honored to be the first resident Ambassador of Fiji to Israel. We share our prayers for security and peace for Israel, and we stand together with Israel."
Welcoming Ambassador Vichienpuntu of Thailand to Israel, President Herzog stated, “Israelis love Thailand. During the war, due to the tragedies that occurred, Thai citizens resident in Israel became a part of our family. There are many opportunities to enhance our bilateral relations in so many spheres, including economic ties, science and technology, and tourism.”
Diplomacy.co.il and debateforpeace.org welcome Ambassadors of Fiji and Thailand to Israel and offer our best wishes for an enjoyable tenure and great success in advancing diplomatic ties between the 2 nations at all levels.
Photos: Maayan Toaf / GPO
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Namaste Shalom!
The Embassy of India, Tel Aviv, celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026. The day was marked with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Embassy, attended by members of the Indian community and friends of India. The Ambassador read excerpts from the President of India’s address and highlighted the growing India–Israel strategic partnership and people-to-people ties. A short cultural programme followed the ceremony.
In the evening, a reception hosted by the Ambassador was attended by Minister of Culture and Sports, Mr. Miki Zohar, diplomats, senior officials, and community leaders. The event included speeches, a showcase of the ‘One District - One Product’ exhibition, and cultural performances by Indian and Israeli artists, reflecting the richness of India’s heritage.
India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations
The Embassy of India, Tel Aviv, celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day in Israel on 26 January, 2026. This Republic Day marks 76 years from the commencement of the Indian Constitution.
The 77th Republic Day of India was celebrated in Israel with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the India House on the morning of 26 January, 2026. Members of the Indian community and friends of India joined the celebrations in large numbers. The event started with the unfurling of the tricolour by the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr J. P. Singh, followed by a rendition of the national anthem. The Ambassador read out excerpts of the President of India's Republic Day address and spoke about the growing India-Israel strategic partnership as well as the deepening of people-to-people ties. This was followed by a short cultural programme.
In the evening, the Ambassador hosted a formal reception at the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel, attended by Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sports Mr. Miki Zohar, public figures, Ambassadors, and senior representatives of Israeli society, including Ambassador Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Former Ambassador of India to Israel, Naor Gilon, and former Consul General of Mumbai, Kobi Shoshani, Mr. Shai Cohen Senior Vice President of Elbit Systems ; Jaffa Port CEO Kobi Yardeni; representatives of the Tel Aviv municipality Mr. Eliav Belizovsky Ms. Ayala Meitav, Senior Project Manager of International Relations for Tel Aviv's Municipality, Ariella Rosenthal from Ashdod Municipality and Olga Lurie from Netanya Municipality; and the Mayor of Or Akiva, Simcha Yosipov,Yona Bartal, representative of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, Ephraim Fortis, Founder, President, and CEO of Open Sky : Also present were members of the Indian community among them; Benny Benjamin, Zipora Meir, Jessica and Isaac G. Thangjom, David Nigrekar and Reena Pushkarna the acclaimed restaurateur. The event featured ceremonial speeches, an exhibition of traditional items from various regions of India, and musical performances by Ayala Lev, Pratibha Sharma, Daniel White, and Dr. Ishan Dubey. The artists also performed India’s national song, “Vande Mataram.”
In his remarks, the Ambassador spoke about India's achievements in the last year as well as highlighted the various landmarks of the India-Israel success story, including the signing of the Bilateral Investment Agreement, Terms of Reference of the Free-Trade Agreement, and MoU on Defence cooperation. The Ambassador underscored India beliefs in two of its timeless philosophies of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ - ‘the world is one family’ - and ‘Vishwabandhu’ – ‘India as a friend to the world’. He also underlined the importance of marching towards making self reliant India - ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ - and making India a developed India by 2047 - a ‘Viksit Bharata’ under the leadership of India’s visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Speaking on behalf of the Israeli government, Minister of Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar: “India is far more than a good friend to Israel — it is a strategic partner we can truly trust, built on shared values, trust, and long-term interests.” “The Joint Action Plan for 2026 is our roadmap forward. It reflects not only what we have achieved together, but our shared commitment to work side by side in facing future challenges and new opportunities.”
“India stood with Israel during the massacre of October 7, and Israel will appreciate that forever. We did not start this war, we did not want it — but we will always defend ourselves.”
Emblematic of India’s artistic depth, the Embassy also hosted an exhibition of ‘One District-One Product’ showcasing the indigenous artifacts from more than 20 states and Union territories of India. The exhibition comprised of handicrafts, paintings, textiles etc bringing the unique crafts, skills, and creative traditions rooted in each district into the spotlight.
An illustration of the cultural heritage of India was also witnessed in the event where Indian and Israeli artists came together to perform a range of pieces, including a jugalbandi and India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’ to the wide appreciation of all present.
Credit for the Pictures: Embassy of India, Danny Golan & Silvia G Golan
More pics at Facebook: Israel Diplo / Diplomacy Israel / Silvia G.Golan & Instagram SilviaGolan
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Philippine Ambassador to Israel Sets 2026 Targets: Direct Tel Aviv–Manila Flights and 35,000 Israeli Tourist Arrivals
The Philippine Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Aileen S. Mendiola, has placed the promotion of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Manila
and the increase of Israeli tourist arrivals to the Philippines at the top of her 2026 agenda.
The Ambassador aims to raise the number of Israeli visitors from approximately 25,000 in 2025 to 35,000 annually.
The Philippine Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mrs. Aileen S. Mendiola, has placed the promotion of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Manila and the increase of Israeli tourist arrivals to the Philippines at the top of her 2026 agenda. The Ambassador aims to raise the number of Israeli visitors from approximately 25,000 in 2025 to 35,000 annually.
Ambassador Mendiola said this target is achievable by further raising awareness of the Philippines in the Israeli market as a unique and diverse destination. She underscored that the Philippines offers a broad range of experiences and niche tourism products attractive to Israeli travelers, including diving, adventure activities, surfing, trekking, romantic travel, wellness tourism, and leisure.
Ambassador Mendiola also emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration with Israeli travel wholesalers and agencies, while working closely with media outlets and airlines, as part of a comprehensive strategy to stimulate demand and increase two-way travel between the Philippines and Israel.
On direct flights, the Ambassador noted encouraging indicators. In 2025, approximately 25,000 Israeli tourists visited the Philippines, while about 50,000 Filipino nationals traveled to Israel—despite the absence of direct flights, high airfares, and flight disruptions. According to Ambassador Mendiola, these figures clearly justify the viability of two to three weekly direct flights between Tel Aviv and Manila. “We are actively engaging partner airlines, as well as tourism and transport authorities on both sides, with the goal of achieving concrete outcomes by the third quarter of 2026,” she said.
The Philippines is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful and distinctive destinations. Situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the archipelago comprises 7,641 islands, many uninhabited, with dense jungles, 21 active volcanoes, and one of the longest coastlines in the world. It offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and marine life, waterfalls and rainforests, white-sand beaches, world-class surfing, dramatic rice terraces, and a rich cultural heritage, including indigenous communities that have preserved ancient traditions for thousands of years.
Photos credit: Tim Rock, Uri Magnus and the Embassy of the Philippines in Israel
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On Monday, the 18th of January 2026 the President elect of the Republic of Honduras, H.E. Mr. Nasry Asfura met his counterpart, H.E. Mr. Gidon Sa'ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel.
An official meeting held in Jerusalem at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs included Ms. Maria Dolores Aguero, Honduras's newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gil Haskel, Israeli Chief of State Protocol, Mr. Itai Bartov, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief of Staff for Foreign Policy, Mr. Yinam Cohen, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Director of the Department of Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Amir Ofek, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Latin America and the Caribbean and Mr Nadav Goren, Israel's newly appointed Ambassador to Honduras.
H.E. Mr Gidon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister warmly welcomed and congratulated the Honduran President elect on his historic election victory saying that this victory will be a turning point for Honduras. We appreciate your decision to visit us and the United States before taking office. Relations between Israel and Honduras have historically been good but unfortunately in recent years the deep and enduring friendship between our nations has declined. I know that you are a leader of great conviction and am confident that your victory will restore Honduras as one of our closest friends. Many thanks to you for having announced the fact that Honduras will receive the credentials of our Ambassador soon after your swearing in ceremony. On Israel's behalf, we will do everything possible to assist your country in any way we can. Currently Latin America is experiencing a significant political shift as it is swiftly moving towards being a beacon of freedom and protector of Western civilization. This indeed is a momentous time and we stand united with all freedom loving nations including Honduras. In conclusion, I look forward to a future of close cooperation between our nations.
The President elect of Honduras, H.E. Mr. Nasry Asfura responded saying that it is a pleasure to visit Israel again and strengthen the 77 year old relationship that Honduras has enjoyed with Israel. This new era will enhance our relations and strengthen our bond of friendship in the fields of investment, technology, water, agriculture and cybersecurity. We are lovers of peace thus committed to building a better future based on peace, tranquility and prosperity. We are confident that our new administration will bring much well-being to Honduras and in turn will know who Honduras's true friends and allies are.
After the President elect's meeting and press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs he proceeded to meet the President and Prime Minister of Israel as well as executives of Israeli companies.
Diplomacy.co.il wishes President elect Nasry Asfura an abundance of success and best wishes in strengthening the bilateral relations between Honduras and Israel.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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On Monday morning, the 12th of January 2026, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Israel hosted a meeting for Israeli Tour Operators presenting Uzbekistan's Tourism Potential at the Embassy in Ramat Gan.
On behalf of the Ambassador who is currently abroad, the moderator, Mr. Sherzod Shavkatbekov, warmly welcomed everyone present stating that Uzbekistan's rich and diverse cultural heritage, close proximity coupled by attractive, competitive and price effective rates, is a perfect destination for Israeli tourists. The morning's programme included presentations by diplomats, two representatives of Uzbek airline companies, an Uzbek Tourism brand Ambassador and active partners involved in the promotion of Uzbek tourism in Israel.
Mr. Alisher Yormatov, the Embassy of Uzbekistan's Political Counsellor, briefly addressed the crowd saying that the purpose of the tourism promotion was to inform Israeli tour operators of Uzbekistan's tourism potential as it is a tourism Mecca. Having hosted over 10.2 million tourists in 2024 in the spheres of cultural tourism, gastronomic tourism, pilgrimage tourism, ethnic tourism, medical tourism, sports tourism, youth tourism, ecotourism and MICE tourism (meetings, incentives, conferences.and exhibitions).
Mr. Dadamukhamedov Bokhodir, the Deputy Country Manager of Uzbekistan Airways in Israel said that there are currently 3 flights per week and from March 2026 there will be 4 flights per week. Mr. Rumi Mukhamadaliev, Centrum Air Country Manager in Israel briefly addressed the operators, elucidating the airline's attractive options and speaking about air connectivity between Uzbekistan and Israel. Centrum Air owns 13 freighters and 13 passenger aircraft. In 2025, 1 600 000 passengers flew with us, we also provided flights for 60% of the country's cargo. Centrum Air is a low cost airline and currently we fly to 44 destinations worldwide.
A live video recording and presentation was shown by Mr. T. Shamsimatov the Head of the Marketing Department of State Committee for Tourism. He mentioned that Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Central Asia and is at the crossroads of civilization and trade as it was the centre of the Silk Road which connected China, India and Europe. Uzbekistan also hosts 7 UNESCO world heritage sites and 18 elements of Intangible Cultural heritage have been inscribed by UNESCO.Tashkent is the country's capital city both noticeable for its rich cultural heritage combining modernity and traditionalism. Other cities noticeable for its cultural touristic sites are Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. Four distinct seasons where different options are available such as Navruz in spring, picnics in summer, golden landscapes in autumn and skiing and snowboarding in winter. The country's enchanting geographic beauty is epitomized by its breathtaking mountains, rich cuisine, nature and cultural landmarks displaying a mosaic of Islamic architecture. The leading resort group, Amirsoy Resorts, is the country's flagship offering accomodation at attractive prices and hosting accomodation at exotic destinations in Beldersay, Chimgan and Zaamin. The silk road's monuments built primarily in Samarkand are beyond belief expressing grandeur and excellence. Khiva, a city home to the pearls of Islamic architecture synthesized with a country simultaneously showcasing modernity.
Mr. Oscar Akhmedov, Manager of the Tourism Service under the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the audience via a live video recording saying that services in Uzbekistan are affordable and efficient and can be enjoyed together with a rich history portraying modernity, tradition, gastronomic cuisine, architecture and the hospitality of local people. In 2025, Uzbekistan became the world's fastest growing tourist destination and was voted as one of the seven most popular tourist destinations. Modern buses, transport systems and good points of departure such as modern airports and stations add to the appeal of visiting the country. There are over 240 partners and 30 leading resorts and international hotel chains and sanatoriums as well various airlines making it a convenient hub for business travel, professional guides, planning and organization of conferences, tours, destination weddings, expositions and symposiums.
The Consul of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Israel, Mr. Shukhrat Abdullaev, stated that the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan has decided to appoint Mr. Nissan Mushaev as the Uzbek Tourism Brand Ambassador in Israel. In this capacity, he will work jointly with the incumbent Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Hay Davidov, to promote and further develop Uzbekistan as a tourist destination in Israel.
A certificate designating Mr. Nissan Mushaev as the Uzbek Tourism Brand Ambassador in Israel was presented to him, who responded ebulliently saying that Uzbekistan is an extremely beautiful country, in 2025 it was voted as being one of the 7 most interesting countries. Ancient Jewish communities in Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent were established over a thousand years ago. Kosher restaurants in Samarkand and elsewhere are available and many Israeli businesspeople travel and work in Uzbekistan. Jews can safely display their religious symbols without any fear of reprisals as Uzbekistan is a country that fosters coexistence and multiculturalism, making it part of its national fabric due to the many ethnic diversities living there. The country has proceeded to be a modern, open, dynamic country welcoming all tourists.
Dr. Zeev Levin, Director at the Research Centre of Jews in Central Asia at the Ben-Zvi Institute for the Study of Jewish Communities in the East reiterated the ancient presence of Jews living in Uzbekistan for over 1000 years without antisemitism. Muslim pilgrimage is ubiquitous as many devotees visit holy graves of saints.
The Programme ended by Mr. Sherzod Shavkatbekov thanking all participants for their presence and by stating that the Samarkand Campus of the international Tourism Academy under the patronage of UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) has been established with the purpose of studying and preserving the ancient Spice Route's legacy.
A sumptuous buffet of pilaf with carrots and lamb, delicate Uzbek pastries filled with meat, salads and wine were served on terrace and present was none other than the Arab Council for Foreign Affairs Chairman, Dr. Khalid and Mrs. Reem Khalifa from Haifa, Mr. Shuki Fishler, Sales Manager at Maman Aviation and Ms. Nargiza Kadirova, President of New Uzbekistan Trading and Investments House.
Diplomacy.co.il expresses its appreciation and thanks to the Embassy of Uzbekistan and to everyone involved in actualizing this extraordinary presentation and promotion for Israeli Tour Operators of Uzbekistan's Tourism Potential.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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