​During the first ever official visit of an Israeli Prime Minister in Australia, PM Netanyahu and Australian PM Turnbull witnessed in Sydney, on Thursday January 2017, the signature of two important agreements between Australia and Israel, thus giving a boost and concrete expression to the close and friendly relations between the two countries:

1.    Air Services Agreement

The first treaty-level Air Services framework between the two countries. The Agreement will serve an important component of the bilateral relationship between Israel and Australia, facilitating enhanced air links between the two countries by allowing for the first time airlines of the two countries to offer air services between Israel and Australia either using their own aircraft or via code share arrangements with other airlines. facilitating enhanced air links between our countries. This agreement will generate increased tourism and business opportunities. It will also strengthen people-to-people links between the two nations.

The two Prime Ministers also welcomed the signing of an MOU between EL AL Israel Airlines and Qantas Airways, which will enhance connectivity between Australia and Israel, expanding business and tourism links.

During 2016, 12,600 Israeli residents visited Australia, while 22,000 Australians visited Israel. These numbers are expected to grow as the new Agreement is put in place.

2.    Agreement on Bilateral Cooperation in Technological Innovation and Research and Development.

Reflecting the mutual desire to enhance each country's competitiveness through cooperation in technological innovation and to develop and strengthen economic and commercial cooperation between them, this Agreement will strengthen existing frameworks for scientists, engineers and businesspeople from Israel and Australia to create the jobs and industries of the future. Israeli and Australian companies will be better placed to take advantage of opportunities for cooperation in the fields of biotechnology, ICT, research and development sectors, amongst others.