Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday explained why he had to attend President Uhuru Kenyatta's inauguration set to take place today from10.00 am.
Shortly before boarding his plane for Kenya on Tuesday morning, he stated that the purpose of the trip is to deepen Israel's ties with Africa.
"The purpose is to deepen Israel’s ties with Africa by establishing connections with nations with which we do not have diplomatic relations," he stated.
He further reiterated the Israeli government’s new focus on developing ties in Africa.
[caption caption="Benjamin Netanyahu and Uhuru Kenyatta"][/caption]
“Four [Israeli] diplomatic offices have been opened in African in the past two years, and I hope that by the end of today I will be able to announce the opening of yet another Israeli embassy in an African nation. And this is just the beginning,” he was quoted by The Times of Israel.
Speaking at another meeting on Monday, the prime minister boasted of the strong ties he had forged with the African nations and further mentioned that it was his third trip to the continent in the past year and a half.
After attending Uhuru's inauguration, he will hold bilateral meetings with several of the heads of state.
Netanyahu will also attend an official lunch, where he will be joined by the leaders of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Togo, Botswana, Namibia and Ethiopia, the vice-president of Nigeria and other senior officials.
The Israel Prime Minister is among Heads of State and foreign guests who will attend the Kasarani stadium ceremony.
[caption caption="Benjamin Netanyahu and Uhuru Kenyatta"][/caption]
He will depart Kenya on Tuesday night.