Nigeria, EU Strengthen Anti-Graft War
The
European Union (EU) delegation in Nigeria has assured that it is
breaking new grounds in its relations with the Federal
Government, states and local communities in Nigeria.
It says its Commission is now "working hard to develop a
close and open dialogue going beyond the usual framework of
trade development cooperation" to include raging issues like the
war against corruption.
Addressing top government functionaries and the
diplomatic community at the weekend during a reception in Abuja
to mark Europe Day, Head of Delegation, EU Commission in
Nigeria, Ambassador Robert van der Meulen, disclosed that the
forthcoming ministerial meetings between Nigeria and the EU
Troika - EU Presidency, Council and Commission - will "discuss a
huge range of issues ranging from Nigerian electoral reform and
the fight against corruption, to global and regional issues such
as migration, climate change, energy and security, to mention a
few."
According to Meulen, the outcome of these meetings "will
shape Nigeria-EU relations for the foreseeable future, and feed
directly into our co-operation programme. A functional and
flexible dialogue will enable us to act collectively to address
common issues - no matter their scale, severity or
unexpectedness. An obvious example is the on-going global food
crisis, a clear case of where coordinated response is critical."
He added that the "guidance of such bodies as ECOWAS
(Economic Community of West African States), which we continue
to support in its work for a peaceful, stable and prosperous
region, will of course be paramount. “
He said "Nigeria's role in the sub-region, as principal
economic, trade and security partner, remains key to the success
of regional integration...our ultimate aim must be to develop a
strategic partnership that will benefit all, enabling us to
address common concerns, whether national or global. The world
is too small and too fragile for Nigeria or Europe to remain on
the sidelines."
According to him, Nigeria remains an important,
strong and stable partner, which the EU relies on in relating
with its international partners.
Meulen added: "Nigeria is critical to the maintenance of
peace and security in the region. Its economic development has
potential to lift the region out of poverty, enabling growth and
stability.”
NP/MICHAEL
