Nigeria and Israel have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries identifying security, defence, agriculture, food security, technology, innovation and healthcare as priority areas for deeper collaboration.
The commitment was made during the valedictory visit of the outgoing Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their commitment to expanding their longstanding partnership.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Ambassador Freeman for what she described as a successful tenure, noting that he had strengthened bilateral relations and laid a solid foundation for his successor.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Israel in critical areas, including counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, information sharing, security financing and capacity building for security personnel.
She also expressed Nigeria’s interest in leveraging Israel’s expertise in border security to combat cross-border crimes and enhance national security.
Both countries expressed confidence that their longstanding relationship would continue to grow through sustained collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
