PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA, MR. ZHANG DEJIANG, DURING HIS VISIT AT THE STATE HOUSE IN ABUJA. SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
… Departs Abuja For Mali To Attend New President’s Inauguration
SAN FRANCISCO, September 18, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday in Abuja called for greater Chinese involvement in the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at an audience with the visiting Chairman of the National Peoples Congress of China, Mr. Zhang Dejiang, President Jonathan said that the Federal Government would welcome the deployment of China’s renowned agricultural expertise in support its efforts to positively transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
A statement issued by the Presidency said, the President reiterated his administration’s belief that the development of the full potentials of the country’s agricultural sector will help greatly in addressing Nigeria’s problem of youth unemployment.
He also welcomed the decision taken during his recent state visit to China to establish a Nigeria-China Bi-National Commission, saying that the Commission will facilitate greater bilateral cooperation between both countries in areas of mutual interest.
President Jonathan seized the opportunity of Mr. Dejiang’s visit to reiterate the Federal Government’s appreciation of the financial support being given by China for the development of public infrastructure in Nigeria.
The President expressed delight at the opening of a Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja which, he said, will further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries and promote better understanding of Chinese culture by Nigerians.
President Jonathan also thanked China for supporting Nigeria’s bid for the non- permanent Security Council seat for 2014/2015.
Mr. Dejiang had informed the President that his visit to Nigeria was his first visit abroad as the chairman of National Peoples Congress of China.
He was accompanied to the Presidential Villa by the Senate President, Senator David Mark.
Meanwhile, the President will undertake a brief visit to Bamako, Mali Thursday for the ceremonial inauguration of Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita as President of the country, a second Presidency statement signed by Reuben Abati, the President’s spokesman, said.
President Jonathan, who will be a special guest of honour at the occasion, will be accompanied by the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed.
He will return to Abuja immediately after the ceremony in Bamako tomorrow.
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