By PROVIDENCE OBUH

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Uriel Palti, has promised to take strengthening trade and commerce relations with Nigeria as a top  priority.

Israel is one of the most important countries to Nigeria and my job is to strengthen that relationship in terms of trade and commerce,” he said.

The newly appointed ambassador commended Nigeria-Israel Chamber of Commerce (NICC) in Lagos for its role in business linkages between the two countries.

He said that there is need for both countries to have confidence in security issues, stressing that people are safe in Israel, just as Abuja and other places.

To the Chamber, he said “I need your help to convince people from Israel to come to Abuja and I will help you to persuade  Nigerians to go to Tel Aviv.

“If Google has bought Israeli Hitech Company with $1 billion, then you do not need a better perception of Israel’s economy,” he said.

In the same vein, wife of the Ambassador, Mrs. Ayulut Palti said. If we must change perception from both side, I think it will be wise to improve our cultural relation.

President NICC, Senator Ben Obi, noted that  terrorism is not limited to Nigeria or Israel alone and if Israel economy is robust, the context of  security might be redefined.