President Isaac Herzog met Sunday in Jerusalem with Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, who is making his first visit to Israel and will officially open the South American country’s new Innovation Research and Development Center in the city.
Welcoming his guest, Herzog congratulated Noboa on his recent election victory and praised Ecuador’s long-standing friendship with Israel. “You are the president of a great friend, the nation of Ecuador,” Herzog said. “Ecuador has incredible relations with Israel, for many years, and with the current President, I’m sure it will be increased dramatically, especially focusing on issues of security, which are so important to our nations. Both our nations are challenged dramatically on the frontiers of security: internal security, when it comes to Ecuador, and external security as it comes to Israel.”
Herzog also expressed gratitude for Ecuador’s decision to open a diplomatic office in Jerusalem, calling it “a huge step forward,” and added, “We are grateful for this bold step.”
Addressing regional concerns, Herzog emphasized the urgent need to secure the release of Israeli hostages. “This is a huge challenge. We need to bring our hostages back home. This is a stain on humanity, which also impacts the future of the region and the ability of our nations, Israel and its neighbors, to move forward towards peace. But most importantly, it’s a human tragedy and a flagrant violation of every law of human rights.”
Said Noboa, “We as a nation, we advocate for peace, but we understand sometimes that peace has to be attained through strength.” Drawing a parallel with Ecuador’s battle against domestic terrorism, Noboa added, “Today we also experienced a war. We live in a war against terrorism, against people who want to change our way of life and live in fear. We respect and value your expertise in technology and defense, we would like to work together. We can work together for peace in our region as well.”
Noboa also voiced support for Israel’s efforts to free its 59 hostages Hamas holds in Gaza, saying, “We need to bring your citizens back home. And we cannot have a situation like this in the 21st century.”
Image - President Herzog/X