The Embassy of the State of Israel in Nigeria is celebrating 20 years of the restoration of diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
Diplomatic relations were established between the two countries soon after Nigeria attained independence in 1960.
But this was short-lived in 1973. The ties were severed in compliance with the then Organisation of African Unity resolution, sponsored by Arab countries.
As part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations in September 1992, the embassy on Sunday invited friends and well wishers to a dinner and cultural display at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
A statement signed by the Media Officer of the embassy, Mr. Tony Obiechina in Abuja, on Tuesday quoted the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshe Ram as describing Nigeria as the most important nation in Africa.
It reads, “The restoration of diplomatic relations is a significant diplomatic move which symbolised the return of Israel to the most important country on the African continent, after an absence of almost 19 years.
He noted that during the 1960s and early 70s when Israel first established diplomatic ties with Nigeria, the country played a significant role in the development of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria as part of the Israeli government’s African policy.
Ram also recalled that hundreds of Israeli experts and volunteers were sent to help in the continent’s development and modernisation of agriculture, education, medicine and technology.
The Ambassador said that the strengthening of political and economic ties coincided with the tightening of relations between the people of Israel and Nigeria at all levels especially in organising annual pilgrimages from Nigeria to Israel every year.
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