NIGERIAN President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday called for the further strengthening of the Nigeria-United
United States Bi-National Commission to enable a more productive platform for boosting bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Jonathan spoke at an audience with the outgoing Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Mr. Terence McCulley, in Abuja, where he described the Commission which was established during President Barack Obama’s first term in office as a very laudable initiative which should be nurtured and built upon by both countries.
The president called for the maintenance of the twice-yearly meetings of the Commission which is co-chaired by the United States Secretary of State and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, saying that it will help to improve cooperation between the two countries in various areas including economic relations, trade, security and defense.
He thanked Mr. McCulley for his efforts to strengthen the already cordial relations between Nigeria and the United States and wished him success at his next post.
Mr. McCulley thanked President Jonathan for the support and cooperation he received from the Federal Government during his tenure.
He told the President that the United States continues to regard Nigeria as a key strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa and will keep on working with Nigeria to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in all possible areas.