Ever since Canada voted for the creation of a state for the Jewish people on November 29, 1947, our two countries have developed a unique partnership and warm friendship rooted in shared values and bolstered by the strong connection between our two peoples.
From David Ben Gurion’s first visit to Canada as Prime Minister of Israel in 1961, to the first ever visit of a Canadian Governor General to Israel by David Johnston in 2016, to today’s meetings between current Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Justin Trudeau, these frequent and often historic visits are reflective of the warmth and affinity shared between our two countries.
Together, Canada and Israel have developed a long list of formal and informal agreements to advance their mutual interests. These ties, as well as the long-standing commitments between the Canadian and Israeli governments, have resulted in an abundance of bilateral agreements and cooperation covering a variety of fields.
In May 2018, Canada and Israel signed, expanded, and modernized the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). The two countries have also established an industrial research and development foundation (CIIRDF) to promote and financially support scientific research cooperation between firms in both countries. Since its inception, CIIRDF has been successful in opening markets for each other’s services and in making the technology sectors in both countries more competitive.
In addition to strong economic ties, Canada and Israel are strengthening relations through cultural and academic exchanges, business and technology, science and innovation, as well as research and development.
Whether it is green energy or water conservation, cyber security or nanotechnology, Canada and Israel are together making advancements in the fields that are defining the 21st century economy. And through trilateral partnerships, Israel’s International Development and Aid Agency (MASHAV) and the Canada International Development Agency (CIDA), are working in, and alongside, developing countries to bring the fruits of this unique partnership to the world.
Come 2019, Canada and Israel will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations and friendship.
Israel and Canada have long stood side-by-side as partners on the world stage. Economic, cultural, political, and security ties reflect our mutual interests in peace and prosperity. Our friendship is rooted in the shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. As our bilateral relations expand to new areas including science and innovation, what remains constant are the close people-to-people ties that exist on all levels and in all sectors.