Israeli Foreign Minister Visits Ecuador, Signs Cooperation Agreements After 44 Years

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar made a historic visit to Ecuador, marking the first visit by an Israeli minister to the country in 44 years. During the visit, Sa'ar signed memorandums of understanding to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism and to expand economic ties between Israel and Ecuador. Sa'ar also announced the deployment of an Israeli agricultural expert to Ecuador through MASHAV, Israel's national aid agency, to deepen collaboration in agriculture. This expert will be one of only six Israeli agricultural specialists stationed worldwide. Additionally, Sa'ar and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Curi agreed to initiate negotiations soon for a free trade agreement between the two countries. The visit is part of Sa'ar's broader initiative to strengthen Israel's relations with Latin American countries, highlighted by his declaration of 2026 as the "Year of Latin America" at the Israeli Foreign Ministry.