Israel confirmed that Chad and Israel have reached a diplomatic rapprochement on Sunday to renew their ties, what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described as “a partnership to forge a prosperous and secure future for our countries”.
Benjamin’s comment came following his brief visit to Chad where Chadian President Idriss Deby welcomed him to stress their mutual interest over confronting Islamic insurgencies.
In recent years, Israel has made severe big efforts in order to improve their diplomatic relations with many African countries. Chad, which has a majority Muslim population, cut ties in 1972.
According to BBC news reports, in addition, to renew diplomatic ties, both the leaders of the nations marked several agreements, Deby told a joint media conference but did not provide them with further details about their signed agreements.
The Haaretz newspaper reported quoted Netanyahu as saying, “The purpose of your visit is to bring our two countries closer and to cooperate.”
Jerusalem Post diplomatic correspondent Herb Keinon wrote that Chad is interested in “security, intelligence, technology, and a pathway to Washington”.
Keinon added that Netanyahu was trying to separate the peace process with the Palestinians from relations with majority-Muslim countries.
While referring to recent attacks in Kenya by Islamist Boko Haram insurgency, Netanyahu said, “The game is far from lost if we pull together,” adding, “We are happy to know that a Muslim-majority country is connected through diplomatic ties to Israel.”
Deby welcoming Netanyahu’s call for close cooperation, said, “I note with satisfaction our shared view on the need to combine forces to tackle terrorism, which spares no country.”
Last year, a source has told Reuters that Israel has supplied Chadian army with equipment and weapons to fight their rebels.