Michael Freeman, Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, stated that his country will continue to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria in order to promote mutually beneficial economic growth.
Freeman, who is also Israel’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to the envoy, economic ties between Israel and Nigeria were officially established in 1960, after Nigeria gained independence.
The relationship was smooth until 1973, when Nigeria broke off formal ties with Israel at the request of the Organization of African Unity in protest of Israel’s occupation of Sinai territory that had previously belonged to Egypt.
According to him, the relationship between both countries will be improved in the areas of economy, agriculture, cyber, and health.
Israel aims to strengthen its relationship with Nigeria in various areas, including education and homeland security.
“We are confident that we will collaborate in a variety of areas, including the economy, agriculture, cyber, healthcare, education, and security.
“To work together to create a better future for Israelis, Nigerians, and all Africans.
“Certainly, there is a conversation that we have started, and we will continue that conversation even after the ongoing war.
“Nigeria is our friend and partner, and we are looking forward to working together.
“We are working more closely and strongly with Nigeria on a variety of issues,” the envoy stated.
According to Freeman, the two countries’ growing relationship will strengthen cyber-security, the digital economy, and the economy, as well as encourage appropriate investments between them.
He also stated that steps have been taken to resume operations and consular services as a means of restoring normalcy in Israel amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
“Nigeria is our friend, Nigeria is our partner and I see 2024 being a very positive year for Israel-Nigeria relations; we are always evaluating what we can do and where we can do it” .
“We will see airlines return in the coming days and weeks: We are also opening our Consular services very soon.
