Nigeria and Germany have established a Bi-National Commission for the promotion of excellent relations between the two countries.
The agreement establishing the commission was signed by Nigerian Foreign Minister, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru and his German counterpart, Dr Guido Westerwelle.
The event took place in Berlin, Germany, on Dec. 2.
A statement from the Nigerian Embassy in Germany, obtained by NAN’s Europe correspondent in London, said this was in furtherance to a decision by the leaders of both countries.
“The decision was by both the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and the Nigerian President, Dr GoodluckJonathan, as reached in Abuja in July, 2011,’’ it said.
The Commission is expected to explore new vistas of co-operation.
These are in the areas of political consultations, reform of the UN, bilateral trade and economic relations, power and energy, education, as well as migration matters.
Others are cultural diplomacy, aviation, security, human rights and capacity building in various sectors.
The Commission is expected to provide a single platform for regular review and management of German-Nigerian relations.
It is also expected to draw strong participation from relevant stakeholders, including the organised private sector.
Nigeria currently has Bi-National Commissions with the U.S, South Africa and Algeria.