Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the State of Israel. The minister stated this when the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman paid her a courtesy visit in her office, at the Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja.
Their discussion cut across defence and intelligence, economic cooperation, consular, religious tourism, bilateral and multilateral relationships, among others. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that Nigeria has so much to learn from Israel in border security management in view of the current fight against insurgency and terrorism in the country.
She noted that these would be possible if the Nigeria-Israel Joint Commission was operationalized. She commended Israel for promising to donate about 60 fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria. “These kind of initiatives are very significant because we have a problem regarding to first responders. For me, it’s just the beginning of integrating ambulance culture in Nigeria,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
Ambassador Freeman had remarked that Israel was desirous of strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria, noting that the move is strategic as the most populous country in Africa. He opined that the relationship between both countries would be strengthened through international conversation and official visits between them.
The meeting was a testament to the enduring and strategic partnership between Nigeria and Israel.