Clinton, Yayale Hail
Nigeria-US Bi-National Commission Deal
The
U.S Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton and the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayale Ahmed, have lauded
the signing of an agreement to deepen bilateral relations
between both countries.
The inauguration ceremony of the Nigeria–US Bi-National
Commission (BNC) took place at the Department of State in
Washington D.C.
Support of aspirations
Speaking at the launch, Clinton, who signed on behalf of the
U.S government, said the Commission would support the
aspirations of the Nigerian people for a peaceful and stable
democratic future.
She described the BNC as a new vehicle for cooperation, which
grew out of discussions that began during her visit to Nigeria
last August.
She said the agreement which was signed at a very challenging
moment in Nigeria’s political history, ‘reflects the commitment
of the U.S to an absolutely critical bilateral relationship’.
Clinton said that both countries have much to learn from each
other: ’’With Nigeria being Africa’s most populous nation,
largest contributor of peacekeepers, a significant trading
partner for the United States, one of the largest producers of
oil and the largest recipient of direct investment by the
American private sector in Africa.’’
Areas of cooperation
Identifying the major areas of the cooperation to include
electoral reforms, Niger Delta and regional security
cooperation, Clinton said the framework of the agreement was
designed to expand mutual cooperation across a broad range of
shared interests.
Other areas of cooperation include good governance, transparency
and integrity, energy and investment, food security and
agriculture.
Consolidating greatness
On his part, Yayale said the signing of the BNC would ensure
that, ’’ Nigeria moved forward in a more responsible way and
enhance its chance of being a great nation.’’
He said that the agreement had also sustained the confidence
that Nigeria was capable of survival as a nation.
Assuring the US of Nigeria’s commitment towards contributing its
quota, Yayale called for assistance to Nigeria’s presidential
system of government, modeled after the U.S system.
He also expressed Nigerian government’s appreciation to U.S
government for delisting Nigeria as one the ‘country of
interest’ on the U.S terror list.
NAN/Williams/Yinka
