The Vice President Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo has assured the Republic of Maldives that Nigeria is willing to renew its bilateral relations with them.
He was speaking to the Vice President of the Republic of Maldives, Mohammed Waheed Deen during a flight stop over at the Ibrahim Nasir International airport, Male capital city of the Maldives en route Tokyo Japan for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development .
Arc Sambo thanked Mr Mohammed for providing the opportunity to hold a meeting of that magnitude after such a long time.
Vice President Sambo expressed the readiness of Nigeria to partner the Republic of Maldives in the areas of marine security exchange to deal exclusively with piracy which is assuming worrisome dimension globally, while similarly exchange efforts will be directed towards fighting terrorism.
On education the VP said that Nigeria was willing to support the Republic of Maldives particularly being an english speaking country.
He noted the efforts of Nigeria in the expansion of its agricultural development potentials as Agriculture is more of a business that ensures that the value chain from production to consumption are pursued adequately. Other issues discussed include fisheries , livestock energy which encompasses hydro,thermal, wind and renewable energy.
Arc Sambo further noted that Nigeria is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and that Nigerian banks have tremendous experience to participate in the Maldivian economy. He promised to encourage Nigerian banks to come over to the Maldives .
Speaking on tourism the VP stated that Nigeria will gain a lot from Maldives as it is the country’s major source of income noting that Nigeria’s businessmen are ready to come and invest in tourism.
Earlier the Vice President of the Republic of Maldives Mohammed Waheed Deen had expressed delight with the stop over ascribing it to divine intervention. He was ecstatic that after twenty five years Nigeria and Maldives will renew their bilateral relations once again. He stated that Maldives looks forward to signing a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria on areas such as security, power, tourism, agriculture and private sector participation in trade.
He noted that Maldives powers its energy with diesel as such needs to partner with Nigeria on Energy oil and gas for their consumption.
Present at the meeting were the Governor of Benue State Mr Gabriel Suswan, Sen Isaiah Balat and Abdul Azeez Yoosuf Ambassador with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Male, Republic of Maldives .