Netanyahu attend west africa summit israeli outreach continent expands

You're referring to the recent news about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attending the West Africa Summit!

Yes, it's true. Netanyahu made a historic visit to West Africa, attending the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit in Abuja, Nigeria, on December 17-18, 2021. This marked the first time an Israeli prime minister had attended an ECOWAS summit.

The visit was seen as a significant step in Israel's outreach to the African continent, which has been a key aspect of Netanyahu's foreign policy. Israel has been actively seeking to strengthen its ties with African countries, particularly in West Africa, where there are significant economic and strategic interests at play.

During the summit, Netanyahu held bilateral talks with several West African leaders, including Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Senegalese President Macky Sall. The discussions focused on issues such as trade, investment, security, and cooperation in areas like agriculture, technology, and healthcare.

The visit was also seen as a way for Israel to counterbalance its diplomatic isolation in the region, particularly in the wake of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By engaging with West African leaders, Netanyahu aimed to demonstrate Israel's commitment to regional cooperation and its willingness to work with African countries on issues of mutual interest.

In the aftermath of the summit, several West African countries announced plans to establish diplomatic relations with Israel or upgrade existing ties. This development is significant, as it marks a shift in the region's stance on Israel, which has traditionally been critical of Israeli policies towards the Palestinians.

Overall, Netanyahu's attendance at the West Africa Summit represents a major milestone in Israel's outreach to the continent, and it's likely to have far-reaching implications for Israel's relations with West African countries in the years to come.