President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to Israel to assist his administration in its fight against terrorism which has led to death of thousands of people.
Jonathan made the appeal in Israel today during a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres.
The president is currently in Israel for pilgrimage and official visit.
Jonathan’s spokesman Reuben Abati, in a statement, said the president promised that his administration would continue to actively combat the menace of terrorism in partnership with all peace-loving countries of the world.
Abati said Jonathan also assured that Nigeria would welcome enhanced cooperation and assistance from Israel for its ongoing efforts to end terrorist attacks and incursions in parts of the country.
“Combating the menace of terrorism is a challenge that we must address in partnership with all peace loving countries and peoples of the world. I seek the cooperation of your country to confront the security threat from terrorist groups that my country is now facing. There is no doubt that Israel has had decades of experience in combating terrorism. Nigeria can benefit tremendously from your experience in this area,” Jonathan was quoted as saying.
Jonathan affirmed the growing economic relations between Nigeria and Israel and called for greater collaboration between them in other sectors, saying that his administration would also welcome the greater deployment of Israel’s renowned expertise in furtherance of Nigeria’s agenda for national transformation in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, electric power supply and the management of water resources.
The president assured that his administration would continue to encourage the expansion of trade, economic and cultural relations between Nigeria and Israel, adding that the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between them later in the day, would undoubtedly boost such relations.
In his remarks at the meeting, Peres said he was delighted and privileged to have had the opportunity of hosting “the first Nigerian President to visit the state of Israel”.
“You are a most distinguished pilgrim. In recent years, our relations have extended to many other spheres, and are steadily growing. The relations between Nigeria and Israel are close and long-standing. They are based upon friendship and the shared values of freedom, democracy and faith. Today, we also face common menaces. Nigeria and Israel have been steadfast partners in combating terror groups such as Al Qaeda, Hezbollah and Boko Haram which threaten the regional stability in Western Africa and in the Middle East.
