Tribune Foreign Affairs Minister signs BASA with Israeal · Written by Leon Usigbe -Abuja · Tuesday, 29 October 2013 05:07 SUPERVISING Minister for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, signed the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Israel on behalf of the Federal Government, on Monday, even as the embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, was present in Israel, where the agreement was signed. Professor Onwuliri, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the event, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Mr Zeev Elkin signed on behalf of the State of Israel. Speaking after the signing ceremony, Professor Onwuliri said the agreement would deepen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Israel and would even boost economy. She said the agreement would further enhance movement of citizens of both countries, including those on pilgrimage. Though Oduah had gone to Israel to facilitate the signing of the agreement, it was Professor Onwuliri who signed it on Monday. In her remarks, Oduah assured that the agreement would enhance the transformmation efforts at the aviation sector, which, she said, included targetting immediate commencement of daily flights to Israel. The agreement was signed before Jonathan, who completed his holy pilgrimage on Sunday, met with his Israeli counterpart, Shimon Peres, in Jerusalem, on Monday, following which they resolved to work together to tackle terrorism. Seeking Israel’s assistance in the fight against terrorism, Jonathan pledged that his administration would continue to actively combat the menace of terrorism, in partnership with all peace-loving countries of the world. He said Nigeria would welcome enhanced cooperation and assistance from Israel for its ongoing efforts to end terrorist attacks and incursions in parts of the country. “Combating the menace of terrorism is a challenge that we must address in partnership with all peace loving countries and peoples of the world. “I seek the cooperation of your country to confront the security threat from terrorist groups that my country is now facing. “There is no doubt that Israel has had decades of experience in combating terrorism. Nigeria can benefit tremendously from your experience in this area,” he said. Acknowledging the growing economic relations between Nigeria and Israel, President Jonathan called for greater collaboration between them in other sectors, saying that his administration would also welcome the greater deployment of Israel’s renowned expertise in furtherance of Nigeria’s agenda for national transformation in areas such as health care, agriculture, electricity supply and management of water resources. In his remarks, President Peres said he was delighted and privileged to have had the opportunity of hosting “the first Nigerian president to visit the State of Israel.” According to him, “you are a most distinguished pilgrim. In recent years, our relations have extended to many other spheres, and are steadily growing. “You have combated the menace of Boko Haram with a steady hand and great courage. The State of Israel too has been fighting terrorism since its establishment. Terrorists all over the world are united in their attempt to destroy hope and unity. Those of us who seek peace and freedom must be united in order to defend our common front. “Mr President, you have been a brave leader of a brave country. Marching ahead towards the strengthening of democracy and development. And at the same time, trying to unite your people. “The world is watching as Nigeria grows and prospers, achieving its economic and development goals. Your country, Mr President, is not only a great hope, it is an example and an inspiration for countries around it. A true testament to the strength of the human potential. “Israel and Nigeria share the belief that the progress we make in our own countries and societies can benefit our neighbours and regions at large.” Jonathan had earlier met with Israel’s Minister of Defence, Mr Moshe Ya’alon and visited the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, where he laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance and lit a flame in honour of the dead. Jonathan was scheduled to meet with Israel’s Prime Minister, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday evening, before visiting the West Bank today for a meeting with the president of the Palestinian National Authority.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 09:21:42 +0000
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