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Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is in the midst of his historical African nation state visit that includes Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia.

Following is the text of the joint declaration that was issued on Monday 28 Sivan at the regional counterterrorism summit in Entebbe, Uganda:

“Today the President of Uganda hosted the Prime Minister of Israel and the Presidents of Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia. This summit heralds the opening of a new era in relations between Israel and the countries of Africa.

Forty years after the historic hostage rescue operation at Entebbe airport, the world continues to face the threat of international terrorism. The need to unite with regional and global partners in fighting this scourge is more important than ever.

At today’s summit, the leaders committed their countries to enhancing their cooperation in the fight against terror by sharing intelligence and utilizing new technologies, including in the sphere of cyber security.

Alongside the countries’ common security challenges are shared economic opportunities. The leaders discussed broadening and deepening regional and bilateral cooperation in many fields, including the deployment of new and innovative technologies, water management, agriculture, medicine, renewable energy and sustainable development.

The Participants look forward to the African Union promptly re-granting observer status to the State of Israel. This step will reflect the friendship and be mutually beneficial to both parties.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)