Nigeria Seeks Stronger Int’l Ties as Buhari Receives New Greek Ambassador, Two Others in Abuja
POLITICS DIGEST – President Muhammadu Buhari has received the newly-posted Ambassador of Greece to Nigeria, Mr Ioannis Plotas in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He arrived at the Villa to meet the usual reception ceremonies, beginning about 11am on Tuesday.
Plotas came to formally present his Letters of Credence to Buhari.
However, much of the interface between the President and the envoy took place behind closed doors.
He also received the envoys of Cuba and Equatorial Guinea on a similar mission to present their L of C.
He said the long standing diplomatic and business relations with the country will be strengthened for mutual benefit, noting that most global challenges will need collective efforts for lasting solutions.
In his remarks, Plotas said business ties between Nigeria Greece, had been long, particularly the flour mills that employed about 50, 000 Nigerians at some point in the country’s history.
“I am very proud to be my country’s ambassador at such a historic moment when we will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of Nigeria, while my country will be celebrating its 200 years anniversary this year,’’ he said.
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The Ambassador told President Buhari that he will continue to support and project Nigeria across Europe, at every opportunity, while sharing its expertise in agriculture with institutions and individuals in the country.
While receiving the Letters of Credence of the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Clara Margarita Pulido Escandell, the President said the cultural similarities between both countries should serve as impetus for working together, especially on trade, adding that Cuba’s efforts in developing medicine and engineering could provide a springboard.
President Buhari said Nigeria received support at international forums from Cuba for many years, assuring that the bilateral relations would be strengthened.
In her remarks, the Ambassador of Cuba said:
“I am proud to serve in Nigeria. The history of Cuba is incomplete without Nigeria and Nigerians. We always recall that some of the slaves brought into our country were Nigerians, and they played great roles in the development of the country.
“That’s why we are mixed blood. Also, Your Excellency, your personal venture, integrity and your voice at the UN General Assembly in projecting Nigeria is outstanding.’’
At the ceremony, President Buhari assured the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea, Francisco Edu Ngua Mangue, that Nigeria is taking measures to secure the Gulf of Guinea, following his meeting with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The President also received Mangue’s Letters of Credence.
In his remarks, the ambassador said the insecurity at the Gulf of Guinea had persisted, and President Mbasogo had called for joint efforts to tackle the challenge.
