Israel and the Word Bank will sign three agreements in the coming months to cooperate in helping African nations develop their water, cybersecurity, and agriculture capabilities, The Times of Israel reported Wednesday.

“Cooperation with the World Bank is an opportunity for us to showcase some of the capabilities and innovation that Israel can offer to developing countries,” Israeli Economy Minister Eli Cohen said in a statement.

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim visited Israel last week, meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, and Cohen. “We are cooperating on so many projects especially in agriculture and water conservation,” Rivlin said to Kim in their meeting. “Israel is committed to advancements in these fields for all peoples around the world and it is an honor to be your partner for the benefit of all humanity.”

Last year witnessed a series of diplomatic breakthroughs for Israel, especially in Africa. Netanyahu embarked on a historic tour of East Africa, Israel restored diplomatic ties with the Muslim-majority nation of Guinea after a 49-year gap shortly thereafter, and Netanyahu met with 15 African heads of state and ambassadors at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

In the February 2017 issue of The Tower Magazine, Seth Frantzman highlighted the history of MASHAV, Israel’s international development agency, which has helped numerous African nations make the best use of their often limited resources. MASHAV deputy chief Yuval Fuchs explained to Frantzman that MASHAV’s advantage comes from the fact that it is focused on implementation. This means that “the countries have the ability to continue with MASHAV-generated projects long after the Israelis have left.”

[Photo: Kobi Gideon / GPO ]