The United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly has said that it is in the interest of the UK to continue with strong partnership with Nigeria.
Cleverly, who spoke after conferring with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today, August 2, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, said that the important reform of programme which President Tinubu had carried out so far “will make Nigeria an even more attractive destination for UK inward investment.”
”We are committed to work even more closely still on important issues of defence and security of trade and investment. “And we are committed to ensuring the UK and Nigeria meet regularly and formally at the ministerial level and senior official level to ensure that the good strong foundation stone upon which the bilateral relationship is built is enhanced even further.”
He expressed confidence in the level of innovation that he had witnessed in the country, saying: “I think, Nigeria is a very strong platform for increasing its importance, both across the continent of Africa and globally.
“His Excellency, the President, made it clear that he saw the UK as a partner country for the future, and I’m very proud to ensure that we turn his desire for strong bilateral relationship into action.”
The UK scribe is excited that Afro beats has become one of Nigeria’s dominant cultural exports, “and I have the opportunity to see a recording studio where some of Nigeria’s most successful artists have made their careers.”
On the situation in Niger Republic, he said that the the UK welcome the ECOWAS’ decisive action, and President Tinubu’s strong commitment to democracy and the unambiguous message that violence is not the means to bring political change in any circumstance and that the commitment to democracy in Nigeria and in the region is unwavering.
“This very much support the UK’s position. We wish to see peace and democracy restored in Niger. And we will of course, continue to liaise with our strong friends in the region, membership of ECOWAS, of course, including Nigeria, as we seek to bring about stability, peace and democracy to Niger.”
He thanked Nigeria for being a long-standing strong partner and looked forward to shepherding this relationship to even greater heights in the future.
