The Israeli Embassy in Ireland was officially opened on 25th January 1996, 21 years after full diplomatic relations between the countries were established. A brief history of the diplomatic relations between the two countries can be found in Paula Wylies essay "The Virtual Minimum", Ireland's decision for de Facto Recognition of Israel 1947-9 (Michael Kennedy and Joseph Morrison Skelly eds. Irish Foreign Policy, 1916-66 from Independence to Internationalism, Four Courts Press, 2000). The essay explores the Irish Governments policy of recognition towards Israel and its handling of the prospect of an Israeli diplomatic mission in Dublin, during the early years of Israel's Independence.
The relationship between Israel and Ireland since the establishment of residential embassies has become increasingly close. Both countries are endowed with a well-educated and dynamic workforce that is comprised of many young people with skills in a range of technical and specialized areas.
Both countries have enjoyed strong economic growth driven by exports of hi-tech products and tourism and the US and EU are major markets for each of the countries.
Israel and Ireland have also signed formal agreements, such as the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, in order to facilitate elements of their relationship.
Bilateral tourism has grown significantly between the two states. Flights operated regularly during the tourist season in Ireland bring thousand of Israelis to the country to witness firsthand the Irish
welcome "Cead Mile Failte" . Many Irish also visit Israel as tourists to tour the Holy sites and to experience the beauty of its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
At the cultural level, too, there is much interest on both sides. In recent years Irish Music has become extremely popular in Israel. Israeli theatre companies visit regularly and Israeli films are featured occasionally in international film festivals across Ireland.
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