Jerusalem, 15 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for deeper cooperation between Israel and Asian countries on Thursday, warning that terrorism and boycotts undermine efforts to advance peace and international partnerships.
“Israel strives and works to deepen cooperation and expand our circle of peace. But it is important to clarify: Peace cannot exist alongside terrorism, and cooperation cannot thrive alongside boycotts,” Herzog told the plenary of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku.
“Every sovereign state participating in this framework has the right to live in freedom and peace, without its very existence being subject to constant threat,” he added.
During Herzog’s speech, representatives from Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and the Palestinian Authority, among others, walked out of the hall. Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, however, remained in attendance.
Herzog said CICA offered an opportunity for cooperation at a time when international divisions are deepening and trust in multilateral institutions is eroding. Israel has participated in the initiative since its early years, he noted, crediting the late former prime minister Shimon Peres with helping establish the initiative in the 1990s.
The president cited the Abraham Accords, which facilitated the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, as an example of how shared interests can reshape regional relationships.
“Relationships that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago are now a living, breathing reality,” he said, adding that they demonstrate the potential for broader regional partnerships.
Herzog also expressed hope for peace with Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Israel’s other neighbors, calling for joint efforts to combat terrorism.
He urged Asian countries to expand ties with Israel in technology, scientific research, water management, agriculture, energy, tourism, healthcare and artificial intelligence.
“No country in the world can deal with these threats alone,” Herzog said, pointing to cross-border challenges including terrorism, pollution, hunger and disease.
He concluded by urging participants to prioritize dialogue and joint action, saying Israel would continue seeking common ground and choosing “cooperation over hostility.”
While in Baku, Herzog held talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He is also due to meet with members of Azerbaijan’s Jewish community.
