Israel has been given observer status at the African Union, a statement from Israel's foreign ministry says.

“This is a day of celebration for Israeli-Africa relations,” Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said.

“The diplomatic achievement is the result of efforts by the Foreign Ministry, the African Division and Israeli embassies on the continent. This is a corrective step to the anomaly that has prevailed for almost two decades and is an important part of strengthening Israel’s foreign relations fabric.”

Israel currently has diplomatic relations with 46 of the AU’s 55 members.

Last year, it normalised relations with both Morocco and Sudan.

Israel was an observer member of the Organisation of African Unity, which was disbanded in 2002 to make way for the AU.