Israeli president writes Buhari on Ramadan

Reuven Rivlin, the president of Israel, has written to President Muhammadu Buhari to wishi him “an easy and effective Ramadan fast”.

According to the Israeli embassy in Abuja, Rivlin’s letter, personally signed and addressed to Buhari, was in line with the Muslim practice of felicitating with their counterparts all over the world to commemorate the month of Ramadan.

“It is my hope that during this month of Ramadan, we shall all succeed in opening our hearts so that we may listen to one other in mutual regard,” a part of the letter read.

“May it be God’s will that the descendants of Abraham will open the gates of their hearts and their minds to one another and meet with one another in a spirit of mutual respect and esteem.

“On my behalf and on behalf of the State of Israel, permit me to wish you an easy and affective fast.”

Rivlin has been seeking to boost relations between Nigerian and Israel since Buhari’s emergence as winner of the March 28 presidential election.

In early April, he congratulated Buhari on his victory and also expressed readiness to assist the Nigerian government in its fight against corruption, terrorism and in the development of the agriculture sector.

He noted that the two countries were facing “similar dangers and challenges in our daily struggle against those who want to terrorise our citizens”.

“The latest news regarding the Boko Haram-ISIS alliance underscores the need for like-minded countries to unite in the fight against such radical terrorist organisations. I assure you that in this important campaign, Israel stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Nigeria,” Rivlin had said.

“I wish you every success in the challenging task ahead and trust that under your presidency, the relations of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Israel will continue to expand and strengthen.”

In response, Buhari said he was grateful for the gesture and pledged to work with all countries to their mutual benefits.