Nigeria has taken more steps to deepen bilateral relations with the United States of America in varying sectors that will be of mutual benefits.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, made this known during the celebrations to mark the 248th U.S. independence anniversary organized by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja recently. He noted that Nigeria is acting in accordance with its foreign policy thrust and initiatives under President Bola Tinubu.
The minister pointed out that the strengthening of the Nigeria-U.S. Binational Cooperation was one of the major foreign policy initiatives of the Tinubu administration to build capacity of the country in the area of fighting insecurity and enhancing economic development.
Tuggar, who was represented by Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director of Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Nigeria-U.S. bilateral relations had been nurtured over the years with various cooperation that have strengthened their ties.
He said “Since our independence, we have been two nations that have continued to watch our friendship, our bond, and cooperation very tightly.
“One of the major things that happened this year was the Nigeria-U.S. Binational Cooperation agreement, and it is a testament of how important and cordial our relationship is.
“The Secretary of State just left Nigeria not too long ago. And to ensure that we had a smooth running, the Deputy Secretary of State, who had just been confirmed, hurried up to Nigeria to ensure that we had a very successful Binational Commission.
“We are also looking into security, which is key to the African nation and very key to Nigeria. We are looking at strengthening the security bond between us. We are thankful for all the security cooperation that we receive.”
Tuggar also expressed Nigeria’s gratitude to the U.S. for the various interventions in the country’s health sector challenges.
He said “We are also grateful that in the Ministry of Health, we’ve been able to get some collaboration as well in all the AIDS programs that have been going on.
“That is the bond of friendship, as we also welcome the incoming ambassador. We know he’s going to have a wonderful time here. I must say that we Nigerians are a people that have always understood the importance of nationhood.
“Nationhood is key to us and for that our security cannot be taken for granted. So I wish you all a very fruitful celebration and we join you to say Happy Independence.”
Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills said the two countries share a commitment to democracy and freedom.
He said that they both shared the belief that was expressed in the US Declaration of Independence 248 years ago, adding that every Nigerian and U.S. citizen shared in the right to life to liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
“As I settle into Abuja and into my role as the 22nd U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, I look forward to meeting with many of you and how we will work together to strengthen our ties,” he said.
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