The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria on Friday, commended the United States of America for relocating, on Monday, its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Mr Nadav Goren, Deputy Chief of Mission of Israel to Nigeria made the commendation in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Goren stated that the embassy of Israel was happy that the American Government had recognised the religious and cultural home of the Jewish people.

“The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem was inaugurated exactly 70 years after former U.S. President Truman became the first world leader to recognise the State of Israel.

“From this week forward, the American Ambassador to Israel will be based in Israel’s capital, Jerusalem, the religious and cultural home of the Jewish people.

“As U.S. President Trump stated, `Jerusalem is the seat of Israel’s government and it is the home of the Israeli legislature, the Israeli Supreme Court, Israel’s prime minister and president’.

“Trump also said that Israel is a sovereign nation with the right, like every other sovereign nation, to determine its own capital.”

The envoy stated that the movement of the embassy showed a strong alliance between Israel and the U.S. and that it was a positive move that would encourage more embassies to follow suit.

“The leadership role the United States took in moving their Embassy to Jerusalem demonstrates the strong alliance between the two nations which share a relationship built on progress, peace and freedom.

“It is encouraging to note that now that the U.S. has led the way, other countries are following suit.

“Countries like Guatemala, Paraguay and Honduras are all expected to relocate their embassies to Jerusalem in the near future.

“As this historic juncture is celebrated around Israel and beyond, the State of Israel remains fully committed to protecting the holy sites in Jerusalem and ensuring freedom of religion for all faiths,’’ he said.

Goren added that Israel would continue striving for a lasting peace in the region. (NAN)

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