Israeli Foreign Minister and author Eli Cohen met in Jerusalem on Monday with his Zambian counterpart Stanley Kakubo, with the two signing several cooperation agreements.
The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and establishing Israel’s position as an observer to the African Union, and in the regional arena. During the meeting, the ministers agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the fields of medicine, communication, agriculture and culture, by signing a framework agreement between the two countries according to the i24News. “Zambia is an important nation for Israel in Africa, which is interested in strengthening relations with us.” said Cohen.
As reported on the i24 News, Cohen made several visits to East and West Africa over the last week, including Kenya, Ghana and Ivory Coast. This approach bears witness to Israel’s interest in strengthening its ties with the African continent and actively participating in its development.
On Tuesday, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog will host the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, who is making a state visit to Israel. The presidents will hold a diplomatic meeting and later in the day, Herzog will have his counterpart for a state dinner at the President’s Residence.
“Africa is blossoming and so is the potential for relations between Israel and countries on the continent,” said Cohen.
Last week, Cohen and his counterpart from the Ivory Coast, Kandia Camara, signed framework deals in the fields of agriculture, water and technology.
Cohen led a business delegation to the Israel-Ivory Coast Economic Forum in the West African nation.
The prior day, Cohen met with Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey in Accra, in a bid to strengthen Israel’s position within the African Union.
Earlier this month, Cohen met with a senior official of an African Muslim country with no diplomatic ties to the Jewish state.
The development occurred in the context of Israel’s push to expand the Abraham Accords and counter Iranian influence in Africa. The Foreign Ministry told Ynet News that “normalization contacts are being held with several African countries, including Niger, Mali and Mauritania.”
The meeting took place during a 10-hour visit to the Kenyan capital of Nairobi at the invitation of the African nation’s president, William Ruto, and foreign minister, Alfred Mutua. While there, the top Israeli diplomat attended the African Union’s Mid-Year Coordination Meeting.
Produced in association with Jewish News Syndicate
Edited by Eunice Anyango Oyule and Judy J. Rotich
