Malawi has announced it will open a full embassy to Israel in Jerusalem.
In doing so, it will become the first African nation to have an embassy in Israel’s capital.
In a statement during a visit to Israel, Malawi’s Foreign Minister Eisenhower Mkaka called the decision a “bold and significant step”.
The embassy is expected to open by the summer of 2021.
He congratulated Israel on its relations with Arab and Muslim states under U.S.-brokered deals, including new ties with African country Sudan, that Israel has hailed as marking the start of a “new era” in the region.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi told his Malawi’s counterpart: ”I look forward to your embassy opening soon, and I’m sure that more African leaders will follow this decision.”