A high-profile delegation of ministers, policy makers and industry representatives from Africa's Great Lakes region will travel to Israel for a five day seminar to review existing cooperation and develop further ties.

The visit by Rwandan and Ugandan officials is sponsored by Project Interchange and will span from August 16 to 21.

Participants will meet with Israeli lawmakers, NGO directors, as well as government officials, academics, and leaders of industry. Touching on critical areas of policy making, this seminar will address a range of opportunities in bilateral trade, development, and medicine.

The trip dovetails with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's seven-nation tour, where she emphasized Africa's importance in world strategic and economic affairs.

"As recognition of Africa's diversity and progress in social, economic, and political areas grows, it is also important to acknowledge and expand Israel's continued and active engagement in the Continent," explained Sam Witkin, the executive director of Project Interchange, an Institute of the American Jewish Committee.

Delegates will be accompanied in Israel by Eliseo Neuman, director of the American Jewish Committee's Africa Institute.

Special meetings include a briefing with Israel's Minister of Trade & Industry, a visit to Hadassah Hospital's Trauma Unit and School of Public Health, and a seminar at an Israeli-Ethiopian orphan youth village which serves as the prototype for a similar program in Rwanda. Meetings also include one-on-one time with Israel Foreign Ministry officials, scientists, and leaders of Israel's agriculture and hi-tech sectors.

African guests include:

- Monique NSANZABAGANWA, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda

- John KILAMA, President and CEO, Global Bioscience Development Institute

-Blaise KARIBUSHI, Country Director, ACCESS Project, Rwanda (Earth Institute, Columbia)

-Teko Peter LOKERIS, Deputy Minister, Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture

Since its inception in 1982, Project Interchange has brought more than 4,500 influential American and international leaders to Israel including Members of Congress, state officials, civic and business leaders, print and broadcast media, ethnic and religious leaders, university presidents, and student leaders.

Project Interchange is headquartered in Washington DC and maintains an office in Jerusalem.