Nigeria And Russia Sign 6
Bilateral Agreements
Nigeria
and Russia have signed six bilateral agreements for
the sustainable economic growth of both countries.
These agreements cover energy, metallurgy, oil and
gas production.
Speaking after the signing agreement, President
Umaru Yar'Adua and his Russian counterpart, Mr.
Dmitry Medvedev, expressed satisfaction with
progressive growth in bilateral trade between the
two countries.
A communiqué issued at the end of a one-day official
visit by the Russian President to Nigeria said, the
two leaders underlined the necessity to increase the
turnover of goods between the two countries.
They also stressed the need for the promotion of
direct contacts between Nigerian and Russian
institutions, agencies and companies.
According to the communiqué, ``having reviewed the
level of economic cooperation between their
countries, the two Presidents underlined their firm
intension to broaden economic ties in particular
,cooperation in the spheres of energy, metallurgy,
oil and gas production.
The two leaders also pointed out the importance of
developing bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian
and cultural spheres.
Regional And Global Issues
During their talks, the two presidents reviewed key
regional and global issues and noted that Nigeria
and Russia share similar views and approaches on the
issues of international peace and security as well
as sustainable development.
They also underscored the need for a more democratic
system of international relations based on the
interests of all countries, according to
multi-polarity and international law.
While expressing their willingness to work together
with other countries in order to reach these goals,
the two presidents agreed on the need to strengthen
the UN in its coordinating role, in international
relations.
They affirmed the importance of the reform of the
UN, based on consensus in order to increase its
effectiveness and response to represent global
problems and challenges.
With respect to the current global financial and
economic crisis, the two leaders stressed the need
to intensify efforts aimed at shaping a new
international financial system with the active
participation of the international community,
including African countries.
The two presidents called for the deepening of
constructive dialogue and cooperation between their
countries, which are among the leading oil-producers
in the world and are naturally partners on energy.
African Affairs
They also reviewed the problems of promoting
sustainable, social and economic
development of the African continent.
Medvedev paid tribute to Nigeria’s role in
international affairs, especially in Africa, where
the country had made great contributions in
promoting stability and security.
He therefore reiterated Russia’s policy in Africa,
which was based on support for the development and
progress of the continent.
Yar’Adua on his part praised Russia’s role in the
promotion of sustainable, social and economic
development of African countries, especially in the
prevention and resolution of crisis situations in
Africa.
He called for further Russian assistance in dealing
with the challenges confronting Africa.
The two presidents expressed deep satisfaction with
the results of the bilateral talks and affirmed
their determination to continue with regular
political consultations and dialogue as important
means of promoting Nigerian-Russian strategic
partnership and cooperation.
The Russian President extended invitation to
Yar’Adua to visit Russia, which the Nigeria
accepted. The date of the visit shall be determined
through normal diplomatic channel.
NAN/ Qasim/ Funke