JERUSALEM, Sep. 11, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman dabbled in talks on arms deals during his trip to Africa, with Israeli arms dealers and weapons manufacturers accompanied, Israeli newspaper reported Friday.

The Foreign Minister returned to Israel Friday from his nine- day visit to Africa, which took him to Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda.

Delegations from Israeli defense industry, besides other business people and foreign ministry officials, were among Lieberman's entourage, including executives from Soltam, Israel Military Industries, Israel Aerospace Industries, Silver Shadow advanced security systems Ltd., Israel Shipyards and Elbit Systems (NASDAQ:ESLT) , Ha'aretz reported.

Arms manufacturers' lobby and the Defense Ministry have great influence on Israel's foreign policy in recent decades, Israeli sources told the daily.

No arms deals were signed during the trip, but Israeli foreign ministry officials estimate Africa's business potential at some 1 billion U.S. dollars, said the report, adding that some countries like Nigeria are important markets for Israeli weapons.

The Israeli Foreign Minister, talking about various issues with his African counterparts, highlighted the economic and commercial cooperation between Israel and the African countries during his visit.

He appears to believe that it is increasingly important to engage nations in other parts of the world, in addition to the U.S. and Europe.

"For many years Israel has been absent from entire regions," Lieberman said on the eve of his departure for Africa.