Fakoyejo OlalekanOn Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari met with President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Lisbon, to discuss the need for both countries to partner in several areas that can be beneficial to them.
Buhari requested for both trade and security partnership which spreads across aviation, gas supply, war against Boko Haram, trade and tourism. He said partnership in these areas will strengthen their ties.
He cited the gap the Russian-Ukraine war has left in the global gas supply chain, considering Vladimir Putin’s country was the major supplier to European countries prior to the invasion of Ukraine that sparked the war, leading to an embargo on Russia’s oil and disruption in global production level.
The President said Nigeria can fill the gap by increasing its supply to Portugal to avoid crisis in the demand and supply chain, ‘‘At a time the world is going through turbulent times, we feel that a strong friendship and partnership between Nigeria and Portugal can act as a force for good.’’
He expressed interest in the tourism and hospitality industry, seeking Portugal’s expertise in developing that of Nigeria, considering the potential the African nation has.
Buhari also stressed the need for a direct air link between the two countries, requesting a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which will further improve trade and investment, tourism promotion, people-to-people contact as well as social and cultural engagement.
Aside from trade ties, the President called on Portugal to assist Nigeria in its terrorism fight in Lake Chad and the Sahel Region, by sharing intelligence and information, weapons, as well as training security personnel of member states.
He further stated that, ‘‘We believe that the establishment of a Joint Commission will help to promote the full realization of the objectives of our bilateral relations.
‘‘The Commission would facilitate the institutionalization of cooperation mechanisms and permit the elaboration and implementation of concrete, specific and viable projects and programmes for the benefit of our people.’’
In his statement to the President of Portugal, Buhari was also quoted to have said, “Nigeria recognizes Portugal’s comparative advantages in the fields of renewable energy and pharmaceuticals which are also priority areas for Nigeria.
“Other areas of cooperation which are of importance include; the Establishment of an Atlantic Research Centre; Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training; Cultural Cooperation; Investment Promotion; Chambers of Commerce Cooperation; Women and Child Development; Youth and Sports Development and Digital Economy Cooperation.
‘‘That is why we look forward to signing Memoranda of Understanding and Cooperation Agreements in those areas.’’ he said.
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