President Goodluck Jonathan will leave for Israel on Wednesday evening to perform Holy pilgrimage.
While in Israel, President Jonathan will meet with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset.
Talks between President Jonathan’s delegation and Israeli government officials are expected to focus on the enhancement of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel in areas including trade, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, communications, culture, education and tourism.
The President is also scheduled to meet with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas.
President Jonathan who will be accompanied on the trip by Senator Emmanuel Paulker, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, the Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen, the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof Viola Onwuliri, and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki will undertake a tour of some locations in Israel which are revered by Christians because of their association with the earthly mission of Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, Presidential Media Adviser, Dr Reuben Abati has described reports in the media that the President is leading 19 state governors and about 30,000 Nigerians to Israel as misrepresentations of facts.
Abati stated that “Irrespective of President Jonathan’s visit, thousands of Nigerians visit Israel annually during the pilgrimage season 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.
“President Jonathan is expected back in Abuja early next week”.
