JERUSALEM, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the inauguration of Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, the prime minister's office said Sunday.

Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said a personal meeting will also be held with Bolsonaro, who had expressed strong support for Israel during his election campaign.

"This weekend I will leave on a historic visit to Brazil," Netanyahu said. "Upon my arrival, I will meet with President-elect Jair Bolsonaro and later with other leaders as well."

Strengthening ties with Brazil has important implications for Israel's economy, he noted.

"Brazil is a huge market, almost 250 million people. The opening of this gigantic market will create new jobs in Israel and will greatly help the Israeli economy," the prime minister said.

The visit to Brazil is part of Netanyahu's foreign diplomacy to forge ties with non-EU countries, in order to counterbalance the EU objection to Israel's control over the West Bank and siege on the Gaza Strip.