Nigeria-Cote d’Ivoire Sign Agreement On Bi-national Commission

The governments of Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday signed a Bi-National Commission Framework Agreement which paves the way for both countries to clearly define their priorities and goals towards achieving meaningful and sustainable economic, social and political relations.

Speaking in Abuja during the signing ceremony, Nigeria’s Vice President, Namadi Sambo, who signed the Joint Commission Agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, said, “The establishment of the Bi-National Commission should be seen as partnership that will bring further benefits not only to the ECOWAS sub-region but to Africa as a whole.”

Recalling that President Goodluck Jonathan signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, establishing the Bi-National Commission, BNC, during his state visit to Cote d’Ivoire in March, 2013, Mr. Sambo said, “This is a recognition of our close ties that has the aim of scaling up the existing bilateral relations between us to the next level”.

He noted that Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire share a long history of excellent relationship that predates ECOWAS as both countries are now important members of ECOWAS, African Union and the United Nations and have played significant roles at the sub-regional, regional and international fora. He added that Nigeria considers Cote d’Ivoire as very important and strategic partner in trade and commerce within ECOWAS sub-region as well as commended the country for the fair treatment extended to Nigerians in that country.

He also acknowledged the efforts both countries have continued to make in the desire to foster peace on the African continent and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the collective efforts of African leaders at resolving the challenges in Guinea, Mali, Sudan and the Middle East as well as the general stability of the ECOWAS sub-region.

Mr. Sambo also noted the significant improvement recorded in the power sector and in the area of trade and inflow of foreign direct investment, which stood at $7 billion (N1.1 trillion) thereby making the country the number one investment destination in the continent. In his remark, the Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire, Daniel Duncan, appreciated the good gesture Nigeria has accorded his country and for being instrumental to the restoration of peace in Cote d’Ivoire. After giving an account of the robust economy of Cote d’Ivoire, he pointed out that Nigeria is the first African country which his country relates to in this manner.

The agreements signed at the first Nigeria-Cote d’Ivoire Bi-National Commission were: Agreement on Trade Cooperation; Agreement on Tourism; Cultural Education and Scientific Cooperation; MoU on Industrial Cooperation and MoU on Science and Technology. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, read the communiqué on these agreements and the Bi-National Commission.

Source: Legit.ng