Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo Friday at a bilateral meeting with the Sri Lanka President, Mahida Rajapaksa, disclosed that Nigeria and Sri Lanka are to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will establish the mechanism for strategic dialogue.
He further stated that when eventually signed, the document will expand relations between the two countries through strategic dialogue and cooperation with the ultimate aim of promoting shared objectives and interest within bilateral, regional and international spheres.
Sambo commended the government and people of Sri Lanka for their warm hospitality and their giant strides in infrastructural development.
The Vice President explained to the Sri Lankan Leader the efforts of the Nigerian government in actualizing the Transformation agenda. Infrastructural attainments in the power, transportation and agricultural sectors of the economy were issues highlighted upon. Other areas discussed included education, health, housing and trade and investment.
Responding, President Mahinda Rajapaksa recalled the over 30 years interruptions the country faced as a result of the internal security infractions and the efforts being made to revamp the economy. Specifically, he noted the neglect suffered by Hambantota, his native area in terms of infrastructure and the efforts being made to address such lapses to ensure even development.
In a related development President Rajapaksa at a round table conference in Hambantota, called for cooperation in trade between member countries to boost commerce and Socio-economic development. Chief Executive officers CEO’s were availed the opportunity to canvass for patronage.
In his contributions, the President and CEO of CPCS Peter Kieran commended Nigeria for the transparent manner the country conducted the privatization process of the power sector. He noted that for ensuring international best practice and competitiveness in the bidding process Nigeria deserved accolades and commendation.
The Vice President also met with the Minister of the Sri Lankan Economy, Basil Rajapaksa, who was full of praises for the Jonathan’s administration for the efforts being made in the power and other sectors of the Nigerian economy. He stated that 90% of the Sri Lankan population resides in the rural areas and that the poverty level in the country which hitherto was 26% has now being brought down to 6%. He further stated that in the garment industry, they have factories located in India which employed sixteen thousand workers others were in Bangladesh, Vietnam and Kenya and that they were diversifying their economy to fast tract growth.
Accompanying the Vice President at all meetings were the Ministers of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri, and Trade and Investment, Samuel Orton, M. Mogoro, Isaiah Balat, the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida and the Nigerian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.
