On Wednesday, His Excellency General Mahamat Idriss Déby Into, President of the Republic of Chad, planted an olive tree of peace and brotherhood in Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund's (KKL-JNF) Grove of Nations in Jerusalem. During the ceremony, His Excellency announced the opening of a Republic of Chad embassy in Israel.
As part of the visit of this African country's President to Israel this morning, His Excellency visited KKL-JNF's Grove of Nations in Jerusalem and together with KKL-JNF Senior Management, President Déby planted a tree – several days before the Jewish holiday of Tu BiShvat.
Israel and the Republic of Chad restored their diplomatic relations in 2019, and this visit is the first by the current President to Israel since the renewal of relations. A year ago, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between KKL-JNF and the Republic of Chad which declared their intention to cooperate on forestry issues and the fight against climate change. Subsequently, this has led to fruitful cooperation to strengthen agriculture, while exchanging knowledge and adapting advanced agricultural technologies.
After planting his olive tree, the President of the Republic of Chad, His Excellency General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno stated: "We are visiting Israel as friends and brothers, and are happy to have diplomatic relations with Israel. In 2019, it was decided to restore diplomatic relations between the countries, and today I am here to fulfill the dream and strengthen the relations even more."
KKL-JNF's Board Member, David Yaari: "We see great importance and meaning in KKL-JNF's spreading Israel's capabilities in the field of agriculture and forestry and in promoting Israel's relations with the countries of the world, especially with the countries on the African continent. This contribution is a continuation of the Zionist vision and its embodiment in the 21st century. We are happy and honored to cooperate and partner with the Republic of Chad."
