In July 1993, Israel and Vietnam officially established diplomatic relations.

 

Since then, the two countries have frequently conducted reciprocal visits at various levels, and have strengthened ties in such fields as business, education, culture, technological cooperation and agriculture. The visits arranged by Israeli government included those of delegations comprising entrepreneurs and businessmen, academic groups, journalists, artists and musicians, legal workers, and so on.

 

The trade relations that started 10 years ago, are steadily growing, meeting the diversified demands from both Israeli and Vietnamese markets. In August 2004, Israel and Vietnam signed the Agreement of Economic and Trade Cooperation, an important legal basis for the further development of trade.

 

Moreover, there has been a bilateral cooperation in various fields including education, agriculture, health and economy. Government officials and professionals from various ministries in Vietnam have visited Israel to study tours as well as for trainings. Various on-the-spot courses have been conducted for years, such as in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Livestock and Dairy Milk Production, Education, etc, under the auspices of MASHAV, the Israel’s Centre for International Cooperation.

 

The cultural cooperation and exchange has been accentuated by encouraging the performance of Israeli artists in Vietnam, cultivating a broad interest in Israeli performing arts in areas such as dance and music. The Israeli Film Weeks, and the Israel’s participation in International Film Festivals in Hanoi are always a cornerstone in the framework of Israeli cultural activities in Vietnam.

 

In November 2011, at the invitation of Vietnam's President Truong Tan Sang, Israeli President Shimon Peres had an official visit to Vietnam from 21 to 27, accompanied by Ministers and business delegation. This first high-ranking visit aimed at strengthening and expanding political and economic strategic ties between Israel and Vietnam.