Netanyahu hails Israel-Africa ties at launch of aid project

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hails the growing ties between Israel and Africa in a ceremony marking the start of Israel’s participation in a US government aid project to provide increased electricity to Africa.

At a signing ceremony in Jerusalem, Netanyahu says perceptions of Israel in many countries is changing thanks to the technological prowess of the Jewish state.

“It means that what we’re doing, what we’re developing here, is a partnership not only of governments, but of peoples,” Netanyahu says. “And what the people understand is that cooperation with Israel, just as it helped agriculture in Africa in the ‘60s, can now help every realm of life in the beginning of the 21st century.

“It’s a remarkably positive development. We’re going to continue this step after step after step,” Netanyahu tells visiting African and American dignitaries.

“We believe in Africa. I believe in Africa. I believe in the partnership with Africa.”

Under the agreement, Israeli companies will be able to take part in the Power Africa initiative and will receive various tools to advance projects for generating electricity and connecting consumers on the continent, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.