Nigerian Ambassador Addresses Council on Foreign Relations; Seeks Further Assistance Against Boko Haram
"It's a global war on terror. We're all in this together," says Ambassador
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nigerian embassy today hosted members of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) for a special briefing with His Excellency Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, ambassador of Nigeria to the United States.
In his address, the Ambassador reaffirmed the relationship between Nigeria and the United States, rooted deeply in the historical, cultural and economic ties between the two nations. These connections are reinforced by existing economic and geo-political realities, in addition to legislation designed to expand and enrich cooperation among the countries.
Specifically, the 2010 Bi-national Commission Agreement has been the framework of current relations between Nigeria and the U.S. The major components of the agreement focus on transparency, good governance, and integrity; the Niger Delta and regional security; energy and investment; and food, security, and agriculture.
The cooperation agreement has fostered a strong connection between Nigerians and Americans in both the public and private sectors. Among the highlights:
- Nigeria is America's largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa; the two-way trade between both countries was valued at $18.2 billion in 2013.
- The U.S. is the largest foreign investor in Nigeria, with a stock of foreign direct investment in Nigeria worth $8.2 billion in 2012.
- Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, ranking 26th in the world in terms of GDP and is on track to become one of the 20 largest economies of the world by 2020.
While the relationship between the two countries is robust, the Ambassador stressed the need for improvement, most notably in Nigeria's ongoing war against terrorism. Although the ultimate responsibility for ending the Boko Haram insurgency rests on the Nigerian government, the Ambassador said, the war on terror is universal and help from international allies is crucial.
"As the freest nation in Africa...we implore the Members of the Council on Foreign Relations to exercise their voice in front of the United States Government to reconsider enhanced military sales to Nigeria," said Ambassador Adefuye.
The Ambassador concluded that the cultural and economic link between Nigeria and the U.S. is reinforced by the convergence and mutuality of their shared global objectives. The two countries are committed to a world based on democratic ideals, respect for human rights and equality of all citizens.
These materials are distributed by LEVICK on behalf of the News Agency of Nigeria. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
SOURCE News Agency of Nigeria
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