The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, says Nigeria and Israel are deepening diplomatic and economic relations as both countries mark renewed cooperation across key sectors including agriculture, technology, education and trade.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the remarks after a constructive engagement with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, during a commemoration event marking the 78th anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel held on Sunday, June 8.
She said the engagement also included the presentation of a congratulatory letter from Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, on her assumption of office, describing it as a reaffirmation of long-standing bilateral relations between both countries.
According to her, Nigeria and Israel have maintained strategic partnerships dating back to the late 1950s and early independence years, with cooperation spanning agriculture, education, medicine, engineering and technology development. She noted that Israeli experts played a key role in early capacity-building efforts in Nigeria, while Nigerian professionals also benefited from training opportunities in Israel.
The minister added that more than 50 Israeli companies currently operate in Nigeria across sectors such as construction, infrastructure, communications, agriculture and water management, while Nigerian businesses also maintain active trade links with Israeli partners.
She further disclosed that thousands of Nigerian businesses and organisations engage in direct or indirect trade with Israel, including agricultural exports, technology imports, logistics services and pilgrimage-related travel operations, supported by institutional frameworks such as the Nigerian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce and other bilateral trade platforms.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said both countries remain committed to expanding cooperation in innovation, investment and development-driven partnerships aimed at strengthening economic growth and bilateral ties.
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