President Goodluck Jonathan will late on
Wednesday embark on a pilgrimage and official
visit to Israel, the Presidency said.
A
statement issued on Tuesday by Dr Reuben
Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on
Media and Publicity, stated that the President
would meet with President Shimon Peres and
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of
the official visit.
Abati noted that the President would also meet
with members of the Israeli Parliament, the
Knesset.
He stated that the talks between the President’s
delegation and Israeli government officials
were expected to focus on the enhancement of
bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel.
Abati said that the areas of bilateral talks
between both countries include trade, economic
development, infrastructure, transportation,
agriculture, communications, culture, education
and tourism.
The President would also meet with the
President of the Palestinian National Authority,
Mr Mahmoud Abbas, he added.
The special adviser noted that the President
would be accompanied on the trip by Sen.
Emmanuel Paulker, the Minister of Agriculture,
Mr Akinwunmi Adesina, Water Resources
Minister Sarah Ochekpe and Works Minister Mike
Onolememen.
Also on the President’s entourage are the
Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof Viola
Onwuliri, and the National Security Adviser, Col.
Sambo Dasuki.
Abati said that the President and the entourage
would undertake a tour of some locations in
Israel, revered by Christians because of their
association with the earthly mission of Jesus
Christ.
He added that the President might meet and
interact with some Nigerians who are already on
pilgrimage to Israel.
The Presidential spokesperson debunked reports
in the media that the President is leading 19
state governors and about 30,000 Nigerians to
Israel.
“Such reports are misrepresentation of facts.
“Irrespective of President Jonathan’s visit,
thousands of Nigerians visit Israel annually
during the pilgrimage, which goes on for months
and they will undoubtedly do so again between
now and early next year.
“It is entirely fortuitous for some of these
Nigerian pilgrims therefore that their visit to
Israel this year will coincide with President
Jonathan’s”, he said.
He said the President is expected back in Abuja
early next week. (NAN)
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