From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has said he is pleased with the security and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Benin, saying it was very beneficial to both countries,noting that it should serve as a model for other countries.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said this when he had audience with the outgoing Ambassador of Benin to Nigeria, Mr. Mouftaou Laleye, at the State House, Abuja, promising to improve the historic relations between both countries on other key strategic areas for the benefit of their citizens.
He assured that his administration will continue to pursue and promote friendly relations with neighbouring countries, adding that he was very pleased with people-to-people integration between Nigeria and Benin.
“I don’t take neighbourliness lightly, to promote mutual interests, both strategic and tactical, you have no option but to cultivate good relations with your neighbours.
“Our countries and our two peoples have no alternative but to remain close,” he said.
He commended the outgoing ambassador for working hard to improve relations between the two countries in the past eight years, describing his long period of service in Nigeria as a mark of the confidence reposed on him by his country’s leaders.
In his remarks, Laleye said that during his duty tour in Nigeria, he succeeded because of the strong support he got from this country’s past and present leaders.
He commended President Buhari for stabilizing relations between Nigeria and Benin, a relationship he described as brotherly.