Czech PM says support for Israel reason for Nigeria’s snubÂ
Czech Republic Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, says his country’s support for Israel in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza is the reason Nigeria cancelled a planned visit.
“Nigeria has informed us that it is unable to provide an adequate reception and programme, so we have agreed to cancel the visit,” Czech Republic government spokesman Václav Smolka told the Czech daily paper Blesk.
Nigeria is yet to comment on the matter.
Czech media, citing diplomatic sources, report that Nigeria’s decision is linked to the Czech Republic’s support of Israel in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The Czech Republic was one of the countries that voted against the UN resolution for a ceasefire between in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Nigeria, which has a large Muslim population, voted for a ceasefire, and some residents have held protests in support of Palestinians.
PM Fiala has been on a visit of sub-Saharan Africa from last week to seek business opportunities for Czech companies.
He has toured Ethiopia and Kenya, where he held talks with the heads of those countries.
He is expected to meet Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo in Accra on Thursday, before concluding his trip in the Ivory Coast on Saturday.
Credit: BBC
