THE Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, reiterated the country’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with Nigeria to ensure a better shared future between the two countries.
Freeman, who is also Israel’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, disclosed this in his address during the commemoration ceremony of the 76th independence anniversary of Israel organised by Israeli embassy in Abuja.
The envoy extolled the diplomatic relations between Israel and Nigeria to have existed since the past 69 years.
According to him, Israeli agriculture, technology, cyber security, health education and much more lead globally, saying Israel is excited to share its knowledge with our friends and Nigeria is a strong friend of Israel.
Freeman said, “For over 69 years Israel and Nigeria work together in many different fields. In the coming years our joint work is going to increase significantly.
President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a call to action and it is a call that Israel is proud to answer.”
The envoy revealed that the embassy would inaugurate the fourth edition of the i-FAIR flagship programme in June 2024, to further encourage exchange of innovative skills between nationals of both countries.
This, according to him, would help to advance the bilateral relations between Israel and Nigeria, as well as ensure brighter future for the benefits of people from the two countries.
In a separate interview, Cardinal John Onaiyekan commended feats so far attained by Israel in the area of technology, agriculture, health and other sectors in 76 years, to have been matchless.
Onaiyekan, a former Co-Moderator of Religions for Peace International, an interdenominational-based organisation, described Israel as a unique nation, saying there is no nation in this world that is exactly like Israel.
“There are major differences between Israel and Nigeria: while we may look at the wonderful things they are doing and hope to learn from them, we should also be aware we are not like them.
“So, we must design our own solution to suit our national problems, the problem of Nigeria is not beyond us.
“It is we who are not prepared to face our problem with sincerity of heart, sense of commitment to achieve unity and solidarity head-on.
“Israelis are united irrespective of political or religious differences, particularly when it pertains security and survival of the State of Israel,” Onaiyekan said.
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