From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his determination to intensify and ensure the growth of the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement disclosed that Buhari said this during a short interaction with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the new ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE during a condolence visit to the Presidential Palace on Friday.
The president expressed his condolences and that of Nigeria on the demise of the late President Sheikh Khalifah and congratulated the new president on his election.
Buhari expressed hope that under Sheikh Mohamed the two countries would continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.
In the seven years of the Buhari presidency, the two countries have actively conducted bilateral dialogues leading to several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding that have paved the way for further cooperation, mutual understanding and progress in many aspects of their bilateral relations.