Middles East Country, Israel says it is hoping to attract more Nigerian tourist to the country, as tourism and travel continues to open up and Covid protocols are being relaxed for most countries across the globe.
According to sunnewsonline.com, Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, disclosed that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted 20,000 annual visits by Nigerians to Israel.
In this interview with Daily Sun in Abuja, Freeman, however, said the numbers are beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels, saying Israel hopes to see the numbers of pilgrims surpass previous levels.
Among other issues, Freeman spoke on Israel’s bilateral ties with Nigeria in various sectors, particularly in investment, job creation, infrastructure, agriculture, water, medicine, et cetera.
Israel established diplomatic ties with Nigeria in 1960. Even though both countries severed relations at some point and they were restored during the Ibrahim Babangida administration, how has the journey been?
This year, we are celebrating 30 years since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Nigeria; 30 years that have seen Israeli companies investing in Nigeria, providing jobs, infrastructure, agriculture, water, medicine and more. Tens of thousands of Nigerian tourists visit Israel every year, Israelis and Nigerians are working together in the cultural arena and, this year, we will see the first joint Israeli-Nigerian film production.
READ: Tourism: Egypt Air resumes pilgrimage trips to Israel after a two year suspension.
I have no doubt that our relations will continue to grow and flourish, and the next 30 years and beyond will bring our nations and peoples even closer together.
What is the idea behind Israel spearheading the development of agriculture, education, medicine, water management and technological training in Nigeria?
Israel is a tiny country, less than half the size of Kaduna, with a population of just over nine million. Yet, we have managed to become a world leader in technology, water, agriculture, security, defence, cyber, education, health and many other areas.
By sharing our knowledge and experience and learning from other peoples and countries, the world becomes a better and safer place. If there are Israeli solutions that can overcome challenges that exist in Nigeria, then doing so benefits not only Nigerians but also Israelis and many others around the world.
In terms of religious pilgrimage, Israel is top on Nigeria’s list for those who are Christians; how many Nigerians visit Israel annually on pilgrimage?
Israel is home to the Holy Sites of the world’s three major monotheistic religions and we welcome visitors from all faiths to visit Israel. As you rightly pointed out, large numbers of Christian Nigerians visit Israel on pilgrimage and, before the COVID pandemic, upwards of 20,000 Nigerians visited annually. Numbers are beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels and we hope we will see the numbers of pilgrims surpass previous levels.
I encourage all Nigerians of all faiths to come and visit Israel, it is a truly amazing country and, after your first visit, you will already want to plan your second and third visits.
How much does Israel realise from arrivals from Nigeria yearly and how has this contributed to the growth of Israel’s economy?
Tourism is an important contributor to the economy. Nigerian visitors of all faiths are important to Israel, and we want to see as many Nigerian tourists as possible visit Israel. My small but diverse country offers an amazing holiday destination with Holy Sites, Mediterranean coastlines, thousands of years of history, technological hubs, thriving cities like Tel Aviv, nightlife, culinary experiences and so much more. I look forward to welcoming you soon.
In 2013, while on a pilgrimage to Israel, President Goodluck Jonathan signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Why has the agreement not come into force?
As you rightly point out, an agreement was signed between the countries, and we are working very hard on its implementation. The starting of direct flights takes time and there are numerous challenges, including economic, logistical and security, that need to be overcome. I can assure your readers that this is a priority and I hope to have some more news soon.
Israel is famous for its expertise in security matters. Why has Israel been looking the other way, not assisting Nigeria to curb the menace of kidnapping, terrorism and banditry?
As an ambassador, you would expect me to be discreet and not disclose details about our security partnerships and work. So, I would just say that Israel indeed has expertise and knowledge in security matters and we work in partnership with our friends across the world in many different ways.
Is Israel among countries who believe that Nigeria’s security issues should be solved internally?
Nigeria is a strong independent country that decides how to deal with its own internal issues. As a friend, we are ready to work together with Nigeria on any issues that are relevant.
Some Nigerians have canvassed the use of foreign mercenaries to fight insecurity in the country. Is Israel ready to assist Nigeria, if approached, for assistance?
Israel does not have or use foreign mercenaries.
What can Nigeria learn from Israel in boosting the economy and security of its people?
We are proud to share our success with countries and peoples across the world, through partnerships, seminars, and Mashav, our international development organisation. Many Nigerians have taken part in courses run by Mashav in Israel and gained knowledge and expertise in many different fields, including agriculture, innovation, capacity-building, food security, climate change and much more.
In addition, we established the iFair programme here in Nigeria that enables young Nigerian innovators to transform ideas into reality by providing technological and educational tools, platforms, guidance and mentoring by experts from the State of Israel and Nigeria.
We look forward to increasing our partnership with Nigeria in many different fields for the benefit of the people of Israel and Nigeria.
What type of leadership does Israel want to see in Nigeria as the country moves closer to the 2023 general election?
Nigeria is a democracy and it is up to the Nigerian people to make decisions about their leadership. Like everyone, we want to see successful elections take place and myself and the Israeli government are looking forward to work with whichever President and government the Nigerian people choose.
Israel’s rift with Palestine occasionally interferes with the Nigeria-Israel ties, particularly when decisions are taken at the United Nations. How does Israel feel about Nigeria’s position on the lingering issue?
We are constantly in contact with our friends and allies, including relating to issues that arise at the United Nations. Israel-Nigeria ties are positive and growing all the time.
How best can the Israel-Palestine conflict be handled and brought to a close?
I am a father and, like any parent, I want a better future for my children and grandchildren. The way to achieve that is to forge a different path. The Palestinian leadership has until now rejected negotiations with Israel and it continues to incite its population against peace and against the Jewish people.
Just last week, Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, publicly engaged in Holocaust revisionism at a press conference in Germany. Such attitudes and opinions are unacceptable. They need to change, if there is to be any hope of peace or negotiations.
As Prime Minister Lapid said to the people of Gaza this month, “There is another way to live. The path of the Abraham Accords (the recent peace agreement signed between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco) of the Negev Summit, of innovation and economy, of regional development and joint projects. The choice is yours. The future depends on you.”
