Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Nigeria and the European Union EU have agreed to deepen diplomatic relations as well as improve inter-state and inter-parliamentary relations.
The commitment was made when the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs European Union Parliament, Mr David McAllister, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria Amb.Yusuf Tuggar in Abuja.
In an opening remarks, Amb Tuggar said the relationship between Nigeria and the European Union EU has been a long lasting relations that dates back to decades ago, assuring that Nigeria will do everything humanly possible to strengthen the diplomatic and parliamentary relations with the EU.
”We have the burden of responsibility to develop our region, and the European Union model is our model. We will do whatever we can to collaborate with the European Union to fast track our nation’s journey towards development,” he stated.
The minister described the EU as a strategic partner with Nigeria on the global stage, adding that Nigeria is currently the 77th shareholder of the European Union Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
In his response, the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Union EU Parliament Mr David McAllister said that the EU and Nigeria have maintained and continues to maintain a thriving and long-standing diplomatic relations.
He said the visit to Nigeria as Africa’s most populated country is key to strengthening the long-lasting relations, adding that it will be instrumental to the successful hosting of the upcoming EU-Africa Summit.
The high-powered delegation of European Union parliament comprising of both men and women members of parliament, who have also visited Ghana and some few other African nations.
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