The
governments of Nigeria and India would be reactivating the Nigeria-India Joint
Commission earlier set up to foster deepened relationship and expanded economic
interaction between the two countries.
This
was the highlight of the bilateral meeting earlier today at the Presidential
Villa between the visiting Indian Vice President, Honorable M. Hamid Ansari and
Nigeria's Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
The
Nigeria-India Joint Commission which was first set up in 1979, and was revived
during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration met last about 5
years ago. But both Vice Presidents in their discussions today called for a
reactivation.
According
to the Indian Vice President the “Joint Commission should be reactivated within
the shortest possible time,” a call that was promptly consented to by Vice
President Osinbajo saying “we agree that the Commission which met last 5 years
ago be reactivated.”
Prof.
Osinbajo added that the Commission provides a veritable way forward to work out
the different areas of collaboration discussed at the close-door bilateral
talks. Issued discussed ranged from economic relations, peace and security,
consular matters and regional & international issues.
In
his opening remarks at the talks, Vice President Osinbajo stated that both
countries should also focus on the outcome of the 3rd India-Africa Summit held
last year, disclosing that Nigeria “will take an active part in the elaboration
of the Programme of Action.” He also called for the setting up of a Joint
Implementation Committee to pursue the commitments of that summit.
Observing
that India has recorded “remarkable advancement,” in science and technology,
including in space research, Vice President Osinbajo added that Nigeria is
committed to playing a more active role in the evolution of the International
Solar Alliance launched by the Indian Government last year with a view to
benefiting from its operations for Nigeria’s own quest for alternative sources
of energy.
In
his own remarks the Indian Vice President, who is also the head of the
country’s upper legislative chamber-Rajya Sabha- (also known as the Council of
States) said he was delighted to be in the “beautiful city of Abuja and
congratulated the country on last year’s free and fair elections. He said the
Nigerian people “deserve praise for coming out to vote and ensuring that
democratic values take root in Nigeria.”
Vice
President Ansari commended President Muhammadu Buhari for effectively tackling
the challenges of the country including Boko Haram. He noted that the Nigerian
government was taking steps to minimize the impact of the challenges.
The
Indian Vice President who had earlier paid a courtesy call on President Buhari
accompanied by VP Osinbajo concluded by saying “our friendship is a source of
great pride to us, our destinies are so inter-linked and we are confident that
our discussions today will strengthen our strategic relationship.”
The
meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Product
Standardization and a Letter of Intent to conclude agreements on a number of
diplomatic issues including Customs Cooperation, Prisoner Transfer, Renewable
Energy, and Visa issues.
Nigeria’s
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Aishat Abubakar
signed the MOU for Nigeria and India’s Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Arjun
Ram Meghwal signed for his country. For the Letter of Intent, the Indian
Ambassador Mr. B.N. Reddy signed for his country, while the Permanent
Secretary, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr. Sola Enikanolaye signed for Nigeria.
Several
ministers from the Nigerian Federal Executive Council attended the bilateral
meeting alongside the Indian delegation that included Members of Parliament.
Tags
Business