Israel and Czech Republic Expand Business and Defense Cooperation

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka opened the Israel-Czech Business Forum in Tel Aviv and signed a joint declaration to expand economic, political and technological cooperation. More than 200 companies and business representatives attended, spanning defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, transportation and logistics. Macinka pledged continued Czech support for Israel in European institutions and said Prague wants deeper practical cooperation in air and missile defense; separate discussions are under way on Czech purchases of Israeli air-defense systems. Organizers intend to make the forum annual after its first meeting in Prague in May.