(JNS) Liberia on Tuesday, July 4 announced its intention to establish an embassy in Israel. The West African country’s President George Weah told Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen of the plan during a meeting in Jerusalem.

“I welcome Liberia’s intention to open an embassy in Israel, which will deepen the ties of friendship between the countries,” Cohen said.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that “Liberia is one of Israel’s great friends on the African continent and stands by it in votes in international organizations. Promoting economic, energetic and agricultural cooperation.”

Last year, Liberia announced the opening of a trade office in Jerusalem, which it said would eventually become the country’s first embassy in Israel.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog earlier that day met in Jerusalem with Weah, who headed a delegation including several ministers from the African country.

Herzog emphasized that it was important for Liberia to open a permanent embassy in Israel, as it would greatly increase the opportunities for cooperation.