Nigeria and Kenya Tuesday in Abuja signed an Agreement for the Establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation.
Speaking at bilateral talks between Nigeria and a Kenyan delegation led by President Uhuru Kenyatta before the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa, President Jonathan said that key countries in Africa such as Nigeria and Kenya must collaborate more to achieve success in implementing the continent’s agenda of greater economic integration.
“The key countries in Africa must work together to create larger markets for our products and boost our national economies. We must cooperate more, boost cross-border investments and encourage our private sectors to participate in economic development across the continent,” the President said.
He expressed the hope that the Nigeria-Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation will quickly develop a blueprint for greater trade and economic relations between the two countries for the benefit of their citizens.
A Protocol on Consultations between Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade was also signed after the talks between the two Presidents and their delegations.
In furtherance of the agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Kenya, President Jonathan accepted an invitation from President Kenyatta to undertake a state visit to Kenya at his earliest convenience.
President Kenyatta who also accepted a similar invitation from President Jonathan, urged him to come to Nairobi with Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors, promising to organize a forum for them to meet notable Kenyan businessmen with a view to establishing profitable joint ventures for the benefit of the Nigerian and Kenyan economies.
Also Tuesday in Abuja, President Jonathan received the President of the Gabonese National Assembly, Mr. Guy Nzouba-Ndama who brought him a special message from President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Mr. Nzouba-Ndama who led the Gabonese delegation to the Abuja+12 Summit, was accompanied by the country’s Minister of Health, Prof. Leon N’zouba.
