Michael Freeman, the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, declared on Wednesday that Israel is willing to collaborate with the private sector and the federal government on projects that will benefit both nations.
He said that this was a component of his nation’s global initiatives to alleviate poverty and instability.
Freeman spoke at the Nigeria-Israel Business Forum’s Annual General Meeting in Abuja. He was accompanied by Inbar Lipman Garden, the Consul of Israel in Nigeria.
He said, “Having gone through the agenda for the day, I can attest to the fact that you have eloquent professionals and great speakers to address the issues of the day. Israel is proud to be partnering development of the Nigerian economic and business sector. We are ready to partner with the government and the private sectors in areas of mutual benefit to our countries.
“I implore you to take advantage of today’s presentations and join us in a quest to eradicate poverty and insecurity in the world. We look forward to receiving the dividends of this gathering, hoping it will improve the trade business between our countries.”
In a virtual speech, Nigerian Ambassador to Tel-Aviv Agatha Afokelu encouraged her countrymen to avail themselves of the Israeli government’s collaboration program.
Afokelu added that Nigerians ought to begin considering what goods they could send to Israel.
She said, “For me, again, it is a great opportunity this time. I urge Nigerians to use this advantage to think of products to export to Israel.
“Now that the door is open for us, I heard the speech of the representative of Ambassador Freeman, and she said that they are open to receive us, they are open for business. So I encourage all members to be ready. We are also ready to receive you, to make you feel at home, to make you happy.”
The two countries’ economies have both benefited from the forum, according to PatGrace Owusi, the forum president.
He said, “Over the years, by the grace of God, we have done so much. The forum has helped to improve the economic standards of the two countries. We are glad that Nigeria can fly to Israel today without heading because the Basra agreement was signed.
“We are glad that today, Nigerian people can go to Israel and do business because of the economic agreement that was signed. This was piloted by this organization.
“And today, we want to look into some vital issues. Israel needs Nigeria, and Nigeria needs Israel. Fish needs water and water needs fish. Without water, fish do not exist. And without fish, water does not exist. It exists with nothing.”
