President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Monday in Abuja that oil producing countries must cooperate more and work together to overcome the current challenge of falling crude oil prices.
Speaking at an audience with Angola’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Eustaquio Janeiero Quibato, President Jonathan said that African oil producing countries particularly needed to come together and strategize on the best ways of protecting their domestic economies from the vagaries of fluctuating oil prices.
“We are blessed with oil and we must continue to do all that we possibly can to maximize its benefits for our countries and the African continent,” President Jonathan told the new Ambassador.
Noting that Nigeria and Angola have always had cordial bilateral relations, the President called for the expansion of trade, economic, cultural and political cooperation between the two countries.
“For years, we have had a solid relationship. Historically, we have been together. So Nigeria and Angola should also work with greater synergy at continental and global fora,” President Jonathan said.
At another audience with Hungary’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ternak Gabor, the President called for greater international support and assistance for the West African countries that continue to be plagued by the Ebola Virus Disease.
President Jonathan also received Letters of Credence from the new ambassador of Burundi, Mr. Mathias Haranungarawe and the new ambassador of Serbia, Prof. Jovan Maric.
He wished all the new ambassadors very successful tenures in Nigeria and assured them that they will receive the full cooperation of the Federal Government as they work to enhance bilateral relations between their countries and Nigeria.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)