The Czech Republic declared to open a diplomatic presence in its Jerusalem office by establishing a diplomatic office. The country announced that the step is directed at supporting services for Czech citizens in Israel and it did not amount to initiating a new embassy.
The Czech Republic has long been one of Israel’s most constant supporters in the European Union and country’s President Milos Zeman always supported the idea of relocating the Czech embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. However, no steps or measures have been taken so far.
Israel has embraced the Czech announcement. Israel regards all of Jerusalem as its capital.
The Czech foreign ministry declared the opening of a diplomatic office with presence of a representative (diplomat) in Jerusalem, adjacent to an honorary office there, was not related to the current going peace process in the Middle East nor was in any anticipation of its results.
It announced that having a diplomat would let it take out more assistance for Czech citizens residing or visiting Israel. It added that the services such as replacing lost documents, which can currently only be done at the embassy in Tel Aviv.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, communicating on Twitter, stated he had spoken with his Czech counterpart and complimented him on a resolution that “emphasizes our strong friendship and strategic partnership”.