The Bilateral Relations between the State of Israel and the Pacific Northwest.
The Consulate General to the Pacific Northwest is responsible for managing relations with Alaska, Northern California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
The Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest opened in 1997.
California Governor Wilson and Israeli Minister of Trade and Industry Natan Sharansky signed a Memorandum of Intent to encourage the growth of trade and investment relations with the prospect of expanding the growing economic cooperation between California and Israel. At this time, the California Israel Chamber of Commerce is established to facilitate trade and investment.
Governor Gray Davis visited Israel and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the area of biotechnology, bioinformatics and bio-agriculture so as to create an increased commercial and research linkages.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visits Israel to participate in the Saban Center for Middle East Policy Forum. Schwarzenegger spoke at the forum along with former American President Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski was joined by the Israel Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the nation of Israel to develop and strengthen economic, industrial, technological and commercial cooperation between the State of Oregon and the government of Israel.
Governor Edmund "Jerry" Brown signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to formalize cooperation in areas such as water conservation, cyber security, alternative energy, and health care innovation.
Israel's Science and Technology Minister Ophir Akunis signed an agreement between Israel's Science and Technology Ministry and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The agreement provides a framework for collaboration on stem-cell research, which will be jointly funded by both participants.
Both chambers of the California State Legislature unanimously pass resolutions honoring the State of Israel on the 70th anniversary of its founding. The resolution, which “commends and congratulates the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements,” salutes Israel’s “advanced, entrepreneurial economy” and acknowledges the Memorandum of Understanding between California and Israel.