President Idriss Déby of Chad
Chad, Jerusalem work to restore relations
Chad is to restore its relations with Israel after President Idriss Déby made a surprise visit to Jerusalem.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the two-day visit would renew ties.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Chad were severed in 1972, but Israeli newspaper Haaretz says coordination between the two countries in the defence arena “never truly ceased”.
Mr Netanyahu said he would also visit the majority-Muslim nation “soon”.
The two leaders discussed shared threats and the struggle against terrorism, as well as cooperation in agriculture, solar energy, water security and health, the statement from the Israeli premier’s office said.
Chadian security sources say the country has acquired Israeli equipment to help battle rebels in the country’s north, AFP reports.
The news agency says Chad is among a number African countries that have historically kept their distance from Israel, in solidarity with Palestinians.
Mr Netanyahu said the renewal of ties with the central African state shows the country is nonetheless making inroads in Africa. (BBC)