The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been one of the most complex and sensitive geopolitical issues in modern history. Many countries around the world have taken sides in various ways, either formally recognizing one state, both, or neither.
In Southeast Asia, a region marked by religious, political, and historical diversity, the stances on Israel and Palestine vary widely. However, a select few countries in the region have opted to recognize both Israel and Palestine diplomatically.
This recognition reflects a nuanced approach to foreign policy, often driven by a commitment to neutrality, economic pragmatism, or multilateral engagement. Below are the Southeast Asian countries that have formally recognized both Israel and Palestine.
Viet Nam
Viet Nam is one of the few Southeast Asian nations that maintain diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine. The country recognized the State of Palestine in 1988, shortly after it was proclaimed by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
Since then, Viet Nam has consistently supported Palestinian statehood in international forums, including the United Nations.
At the same time, Viet Nam has cultivated a growing relationship with Israel. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were established in 1993, and the relationship has steadily expanded over the years, particularly in the fields of agriculture, defense, and technology.
Israel has an embassy in Hanoi, and Viet Nam maintains an embassy in Tel Aviv. This balanced diplomatic posture reflects Viet Nam’s broader strategy of engaging with diverse global partners while avoiding entanglement in ideological conflicts.
Thailand
Thailand is another Southeast Asian country that recognizes both Israel and Palestine. It established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1954, shortly after the founding of the Israeli state.
Over the decades, the two countries have maintained cordial ties, with cooperation in areas such as agriculture, labor exchange, and tourism.
Thousands of Thai workers are employed in Israel, especially in the agricultural sector. During the October 7th Massacre perpetrated by Hamas, 46 Thai nationals were killed, 31 were taken hostage, and six of them are still being kept as hostages in Gaza.
At the same time, Thailand recognized the State of Palestine in 2012, aligning itself with the global movement in support of Palestinian sovereignty. Thailand has since supported various United Nations resolutions favoring Palestine’s rights and status.
By maintaining diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine, Thailand signals its intent to uphold neutrality and contribute to peaceful dialogue in the international community.
Philippines
The Philippines occupies a unique position in Southeast Asia when it comes to Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy. It was one of the few Asian nations to vote in favor of the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan that led to the creation of Israel.
The country has since enjoyed a strong relationship with Israel, bolstered by historical ties, people-to-people connections, and economic cooperation.
However, the Philippines also officially recognized the State of Palestine in 1989. It supports a two-state solution and has consistently called for peaceful negotiations between the two parties.
While the Philippines has stronger visible ties with Israel, it maintains formal recognition of Palestine and continues to participate in multilateral forums that advocate for Palestinian rights.
This dual recognition underscores the Philippines’ broader commitment to peace and diplomacy in global affairs.
Cambodia
Cambodia is among the Southeast Asian countries that recognize both Israel and Palestine. Diplomatic relations with Israel were established in 1960, though they were interrupted during the Khmer Rouge regime and later restored.
Since then, Cambodia and Israel have engaged in low-key but consistent cooperation, particularly in education and agriculture.
Cambodia also recognized the State of Palestine in 1988, shortly after its declaration of independence. The country has expressed support for Palestinian statehood in various international settings and maintains diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority.
Cambodia’s recognition of both entities is reflective of its strategy to maintain balanced relations and avoid taking divisive stances in international conflicts.
Laos
Laos, a landlocked communist state in mainland Southeast Asia, has formal relations with both Israel and Palestine.
Although its relationship with Israel is relatively limited, Laos does maintain diplomatic ties, including occasional cooperation in agriculture and health sectors. Israel’s approach to technical development assistance has been of interest to Laos over the years.
At the same time, Laos has long supported Palestinian statehood. It recognized Palestine in the late 1980s and has often backed pro-Palestinian resolutions at the United Nations and other international platforms.
Laos’s dual recognition reflects its non-aligned foreign policy orientation and its desire to remain diplomatically engaged without aligning too closely with either bloc in contentious geopolitical disputes.
