Encomium
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Thursday in Abuja called for a deeper, stronger and more cooperative partnership between Nigeria and other members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Speaking at separate audiences with the new ambassadors of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria after receiving their letters of credence, President Jonathan said that such partnerships will improve the decision-making process within OPEC and open up more opportunities for investment and socio-economic collaboration among its members.
The President told the new Ambassador of the UAE, Mr. Mahmud Mohammed Mahmud Al-Mahumud and the new Qatari Ambassador, Mr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mubarak Seed Al Muhannadi that the cordial diplomatic and political relationship between Nigeria and other OPEC member-countries ought to be translated into more beneficial engagements.
President Jonathan noted that the ongoing Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government has thrown up more opportunities for investments in agriculture, real estate development, power generation, manufacturing and other areas in Nigeria.
He therefore urged the UAE, Qatar and other OPEC countries to take advantage of the immense potential of Nigeria’s large market and the new investment opportunities in the country which offer quick and high returns.
“We have already seen companies from the UAE investing in telecommunications, and in real estate, and they are doing very well. We want to see them also in agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, and other areas’’ President Jonathan told the new ambassadors.
Both Ambassadors assured the President that they will do their utmost best to improve trade and economic relations between their respective countries and Nigeria during their tenures.
President Jonathan also had a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of Finland, Mrs. Rita Korpivaara.
The President commended Ambassador Korpivaara’s efforts to enhance bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland.
He wished her success in her future endeavours.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 24, 2014
