President Goodluck Jonathan today, March 20, congratulated Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on his victory in Tuesday’s general elections in his country.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the president, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan said he looked forward to continuing to work with Netanyahu to further strengthen the existing cordial and mutually-beneficial relations between Nigeria and Israel.
He added that he and his government would also continue to count on the cooperation and support of the Israeli government under Netanyahu’s leadership as Nigeria strives to overcome the challenges of terrorism, violent extremism and sustainable development.
The statement read in part, “Recognising that strife and crisis in the Middle East remain matters of great concern to the international community, President Jonathan calls on Prime Minister Netanyahu, his incoming administration in Israel and other countries in the Middle-East to rededicate themselves to achieving lasting peace in the region through peaceful negotiations.
“The President wishes Mr. Netanyahu a very successful new term in office and prays that God Almighty will continue to grant him the wisdom, courage and strength he requires to lead the people of Israel into greater peace, security and prosperity.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party on Tuesday, won a surprise victory in Israel’s election.
Exit polls had forecast a dead heat but with almost all votes counted, results gave Likud a clear lead over its main rival, the Zionist Union.