By Chesa Chesa State House, Abuja
President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged that his administration will continue to partner with all peace loving countries to check terrorism.
He spoke in Jerusalem on Monday during a meeting with President Shimon Peres of Israel, according to an Aso Rock statement issued from there.
Jonathan 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
Acknowledging the growing economic relations between Nigeria and Israel, Jonathan called for greater collaboration between them in other sectors, saying that his administration will also welcome the greater deployment of Israel's renowned expertise in furtherance of Nigeria's agenda for national transformation in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, electric power supply and the management of water resources.
The President assured Peres that his administration would continue to encourage the expansion of trade, economic and cultural relations between Nigeria and Israel, adding that the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between would undoubtedly boost such relations.
In his remarks at the meeting, President Peres expressed his delight and privilege at having the opportunity of hosting "the first Nigerian President to visit the state of Israel".
"You are a most distinguished pilgrim. In recent years, our relations have extended to many other spheres, and are steadily growing. The relations between Nigeria and Israel are close and long-standing.
"They are based upon friendship and the shared values of freedom, democracy and faith. Today, we also face common menaces.
"Nigeria and Israel have been steadfast partners in combating terror groups such as Al Qaeda, Hezbollah and Boko Haram which threaten the regional stability in Western Africa and in the Middle East.
The BASA was later signed on Nigeria's behalf by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri.
Jonathan had met earlier in the day with Israel's Minister of Defence, Moshe Ya'alon, and also visited the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem where laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance and lit a flame in honour of the dead.
The President was scheduled to meet with Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, later on Monday and will visit the West Bank today for a scheduled meeting with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas.
