Chad opens embassy in Tel Aviv

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno opened Thursday his country’s embassy in the Israeli capital of Tel Aviv, a move expected to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

“This is a historic moment. It follows the steps we took with your late father, my historic visit to Chad, and your historic visit to Israel now, in which we are formally opening the embassy today,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the ceremony.

“We are strengthening our common interests and friendship, and pursuing peace, security and prosperity,” he added. “I welcome you in great friendship and I hope to see you again in Chad.”

President Deby also dedicated the embassy opening to his late father Idriss Deby Itno who restored ties between the two countries in 2019 after they were severed in 1972.

“This is a great day, a historic day for Chad and for Israel,” he said, dedicating the moment to “my father, a very courageous man with a vision,” he said. “We are here today to officially open the embassy. It is thanks to God and the courage and vision [my father] had, and also thanks to you, prime minister,” he said.

The Chadian leader arrived in Israel Wednesday. Upon arrival he held meetings with Netanyahu and several other Israeli officials including the Head of Mossad, David Barnea.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen thanked the African leader for Chad’s support in international forums. Chad voted for Israel to join the African Union as an observer state in 2021, and was absent during the United Nations General Assembly vote to refer the Israel-Palestinian conflict to the International Court of Justice.

Idriss Deby Itno visited Israel in 2019 to thaw ties with Tel Aviv, at the time Netanyahu was Prime Minister.