'King Zwelithini will also be gratefully remembered by the Jewish community, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, as a warm and generous friend whose door was always open.'

Muslim-majority African nations are ending decades-long breaks in diplomatic relations with Israel, strengthening their ties with the Jewish state.

Netanyahu is visiting Liberia as the first leader of a non-African state invited to address the Economic Community of West African States.