By Maureen Okon
The Chairperson of European Union Africa Working Party (COAFR), Mrs Yamina Guerfi, has harped on the strategic importance of Nigeria and the need to deepen cooperation with the EU.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Guerfi made the remarks at a reception organised for the COAFR delegation by the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Pieter Leenknegt, at his residence in Abuja.
NAN reports that COAFR is responsible for the management of EU external policy towards sub-Saharan Africa.
She said that their visit was “to further enhance cooperation with Nigeria and its people”.
“I will like to highlight the partnership with Nigeria and her people for the EU and Member States is really of strategic importance as Africa’s most populated country.
“Also, the biggest economy in Africa, with all the energy reserves that Nigeria has.
“There are so much potentials in this country, the more we meet with Nigerians, its people and its government, I think of all the possibilities that we will have to further work together, including the challenges she face just like we do as well,’’ Guerfi added.
Earlier, the Belgium ambassador said that the choice of Nigeria by the COAFR delegation for the annual visit was a recognition of the country as “the economically biggest and most populous African nation”.
“So kudos to Nigeria and to our dear EU Ambassador, Ms Samuella Isopi for having lobbied the COAFR troop so well, and for having made the final cut.
“ Our COAFR delegation came at a significant moment for Nigeria, at the moment of bold reforms and of economic hardship in a challenging sub region,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed
