The new German Ambassador to Nigeria, Birgitt Ory has said that it is a great privilege for her to be sent to Nigeria to serve.According to her, it had been her long aspiration to be sent as an Ambassador to the country she described as the biggest and most important country in Africa.
“When I came to Nigeria last year in May, which was also my first time in Africa, as soon as I stepped out of the plane, I said this is where I will like to work.”
Ambassador Ory, who spoke today, September 19, when she presented her letter of credence to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, congratulated Nigeria for holding two key positions in the United Nations: Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, and President of the UN General Assembly, Professor Tijani Mohammad-Bande
She said that Nigeria’s rising global profile reflects its pivotal role in Africa and West African region.
The German envoy assured the President that she will work towards improved relations between both countries, commending him for Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS, with renewed focus on economy and security.
President Buhari told the new Ambassador that Nigerians are looking forward to investments in infrastructure, especially the power sector, that will illuminate their homes and stimulate businesses.
He assured German companies that his government will honour terms of agreements on investments in the country.
President Buhari said that the agreements signed with Germany company, Siemens, on power was most welcoming for the country, and Nigeria looks forward to partnerships that will be mutually beneficial.
The President said that the country remains grateful to Germany for humanitarian interventions in the North East for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and the visit of the Chancellor, Angela Merkel, to Nigeria in August 2018, which further strengthened bi-lateral relations.
Also receiving Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of Ethiopia, Azanaw Tadesse Abreha, Buhari encouraged diplomat to stay longer in the country in order to understand the dynamics of the culture, economy and landscape.
,“Nigeria is big and versatile and requires longer period of stay to be understood.
“With your staff at the embassy, you need to stay longer and move around to really appreciate the country.”
The President said that the bilateral relations with Ethiopia had been steady and rewarding for both countries, urging the ambassador to further strengthen the bond.
This was even as the Ethiopian ambassador said that he will promote strategic relations between Nigeria and his country, promising to take the relations to the highest level of mutual respect.
