Nigeria, Nicaragua to strengthen bilateral relations
Nigeria has assured Nicaragua of its readiness to expand economic ties and strengthen existing bilateral relations with the central American country.
Nigeria’s ambassador to Cuba, Benaoyagha Okoyen, gave the assurance at the presentation of copies d’usage to the Nicaraguan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Denis Colindres, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York.
Okoyen, who is also Nigeria’s non-resident ambassador designate to Nicaragua, Honduras and The Bahamas, said Nigeria would eagerly engage Nicaragua to help its quest for infrastructure development.
The Nigerian envoy said both countries would explore all areas of cooperation especially in meeting the energy need of Nicaragua.
“Nicaragua has seen Nigeria as a very important partner and it is my desire to see that both countries’ relations rank high on the priorities of our governments,” he said.
Okoyen said much could be achieved by both countries in forging a closer alliance in the areas of energy, infrastructure, agriculture and in broadening the sphere of engagement on the global stage.
He thanked Nicaragua for its solidarity and support to Nigeria on the global stage, especially to its candidates seeking positions in multilateral organisations.
Okoyen thanked Colindres for commiserating with Nigeria during recent national tragedies and pledged to convey the letters of condolence to President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his remarks, Colindres expressed his country’s desire to collaborate with Nigeria in energy needs and advance the economic development of Nicaragua.
He congratulated Okoyen and granted him the full capacity to function as the non-resident ambassador while awaiting the presentation of the Letter of Credence to President Daniel Ortega.
Colindres also extended the condolences of Nicaragua to President Buhari over the military plane crash that killed former Chief of Army Staff, Attahiru Ibrahim and other military personnel and the Kebbi boat mishap.
Okoyen, who is the immediate past Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, had earlier presented copies d’usage to Cuba and Bahamas. (NAN)
