Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday, called for improved economic relations to deepen bilateral ties with Argentina and Sri Lanka.
He made the call while receiving letters of credence from the new Ambassador of Argentina to Nigeria, Mr. Gustavo Alejandro Dzugala and the new High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Nigeria, Mr. Panagoda Don Prince Solomon Anura Liyanage, at separate audiences in the State House.
The President said while Nigeria had good diplomatic ties with these countries, the economic relations needed to be strengthened.
“The economic linkages are weak and we must do everything necessary to boost economic ties,” he said.
The Argentinian Ambassador said during his audience that President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was desirous of improving relations with Nigeria and had approved the building of a permanent embassy in Abuja as a demonstration of that commitment.
He also disclosed that a high-level trade delegation from Argentina would soon visit Nigeria.
During his meeting with the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, President Jonathan extended appreciation to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for pledging to support Nigeria’s quest for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
Mr. Liyanage said the President of Sri Lanka looked forward to welcoming President Jonathan at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which will be hosted by Sri Lanka in November.
