Jonathan Reaffirms Stronger Economic Ties With South America..Congratulates Fashola

President Goodluck Jonathan pledged Thursday in Abuja that Nigeria will remain at the forefront of efforts to promote greater economic and trade relations between Africa and South America.
Speaking at an audience with Venezuela’s outgoing Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Enrique Fernando Arundell, President Jonathan declared that Nigeria remains fully committed to developing the Africa-South America Summit into a more productive platform for the expansion of areas of cooperation between the two continents.
Recalling his interactions with late President Hugo Chavez at the 2ndAfrica-South America Summit at Margarita, Venezuela in 2009, President Jonathan said that it was apparent that the late Venezuelan leader was also very committed to establishing mutually-beneficial economic relations between Africa and South America.
Expressing the belief that President Nicholas Maduro will follow late President Chavez’s footsteps in this regard, President Jonathan said that Nigeria was ready to work with him and other Heads of State and Government to “maximally exploit” the potentials for mutual economic benefit inherent in closer ties between Africa and South America.
The President praised Mr. Arundell’s efforts to enhance the cordial relations between Nigeria and Venezuela.
“Thank you for the services you have rendered here. You have done wonderfully well. We will always remember you and your contributions to development in our country,” he told the outgoing Ambassador.
In another statement, Presidential Spokesman,Reuben Abati said President Goodluck Jonathan has written to congratulate Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State as he celebrates his 50th birthday tomorrow, June 28, 2013.
President Jonathan conveyed warm felicitations to Governor Fashola and prayed that God Almighty will grant him many more years of commendable service to the people of Lagos and Nigeria,Abati said.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I write to express warm felicitations to you on the landmark occasion of your 50th birthday anniversary.
“As you deservedly celebrate this glorious day, it is my prayer that Almighty God, who has richly prospered you and ordered your every step this past half century, will continue to bless you with good health and
fulfillment in the many more years of worthy service ahead of you,” the President wrote.
He wished Governor Fashola very happy birthday celebrations.