Abuja — President Olusegun Obasanjo on July 21 told the out-going Netherlands ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Aart Jan Verdegaal, that he was grateful for the debt relief granted to the country by the Paris Club of creditors.

President Obasanjo said Mr. Verdegaal had indeed represented his country well, considering the current warm relations between the two nations.

He said he was still looking forward to the implementation of the cooperation between the two countries in horticulture, particularly the production of fruits and flowers.

He wished Mr. Verdegaal well in his next posting.

Earlier, the out-going ambassador had expressed appreciation for the privilege of being part of his country's effort to forgive Nigeria $600 million debt. He also noted that the money was being applied to meet the Millennium Development Goals targets.

Mr. Verdegaal said he enjoyed his four-year stay in Nigeria.