The agreement followed discussions between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia. Under the arrangement, Israel and Venezuela will create a mechanism through which their citizens can receive essential consular services. Contacts between the countries expanded after more than 50 Israeli specialists traveled to Venezuela following the double earthquake in June. Venezuela cut diplomatic relations with Israel in January 2009 under then-President Hugo Chávez in response to Israeli military operations in Gaza. Relations remained suspended under Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela maintained close ties with Iran and participated in platforms hostile to Israel.