Chad's first diplomat goes to Israel

JERUSALEM – The Chadian president became Sunday the first leader of his country to make an official visit to Israel, reinforcing the efforts made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to sensitize African states to a common struggle against Islamist militants.

Idriss Deby and Netanyahu both stressed the centrality of security cooperation, even though countries do not maintain formal diplomatic relations. Chad, a predominantly Muslim country in Central Africa, broke off relations with Israel in 1972.

"The fact that you, the leader of an important African country, come to Israel to renew our friendship and our relations is, in my opinion, a testimony of what will happen with other similar African countries," said Netanyahu. at a joint press conference.

Netanyahu has made considerable efforts in recent years to woo African countries – which have long fled Israel while expressing sympathy for the Palestinians.

He found common ground with many African states in a common struggle against Islamic militant groups. Chad has played a key role as a partner of the United States and other North African countries in the fight against jihadist groups such as Boko Haram in the Sahara.

Netanyahu also believes that such alliances, as well as similar advocacy efforts in Asia and Latin America, will also weaken the influence of Palestinians at the United Nations and other international forums.

Deby said that although he is keen to resume "very strong" diplomatic relations with Israel, such a relaxation does not obscure the principle of the Palestinian question. "

Netanyahu did not want to know if the two leaders had discussed potential arms sales in Chad.

The desert country is one of the world's least developed states, according to the World Bank's Human Development Index. The Chadian government has been accused of widespread human rights violations and rigged elections. Deby took power in 1990 and has since been re-elected five times.

Deby's visit comes just a month after Netanyahu's return from a surprise visit to Oman, an Arab state in the Persian Gulf that does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

Netanyahu said Sunday that "soon there will be other visits to the Arab countries".

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