After more than two years without an official delegation visit by a German federal state to Israel, Thuringia’s Minister-President Mario Voigt visited the country from 9 to 13 November together with a high-level delegation of 42 representatives from Thuringia’s business, scientific, and political communities.
This visit carried particular political and symbolic significance: it was the first major German delegation to visit Israel after October 7, 2023, and after two challenging years of regional tensions. Being able to welcome our guests in person once again was not only an important sign of solidarity, but also lent the visit a special emotional depth.
The aim of the trip was to further expand economic cooperation between Thuringia and Israel and to deepen existing partnerships. Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation with Israel’s high-tech and innovation sector, which is internationally regarded as one of the most dynamic innovation hubs. The high-tech industry makes a significant contribution to Israel’s economic strength and is a key driver of exports, research, and technological development.
The visit began with a ceremonial reception at the residence of the German Ambassador. Helena Merks, Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Israel, warmly welcomed the delegation. The group then visited the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, where an exchange took place with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The visit also set important impulses on the economic level. In addition to visits to various technology companies, three new cooperation agreements were concluded between Thuringian and Israeli companies.
The delegation trip concluded with an inspiring discussion with Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, who provided insights into current initiatives and future developments in the sector.
At the heart of the trip were the shared values of research, innovation, and partnership. They form the foundation of German–Israeli cooperation and are of central importance, especially in challenging times.
For many years now, Thuringia and Israel have maintained close, partnership-based economic relations. The Thuringia State Development Corporation (LEG Thuringia), which organized the trip on the German side, is represented at the German-Israeli Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) in Israel by an innovation ambassador.
The visit represented an important step toward further strengthening existing cooperation and providing new momentum for bilateral collaboration. It establishes a strong foundation on which German–Israeli relations—and in particular relations between Thuringia and Israel—can continue to be expanded and consolidated in the years to come.
