Juliana Taiwo
25 June 2009
Abuja — The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Russian Federation yesterday signed six agreements bothering on nuclear energy, transfer of prisoners, investment promotion, cooperation on legal matters, Memora-ndum of Understanding in the field of exploration of outer space and Memorandum and Articles of Association and the signing of MOU on joint venture between Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Gazprom.
Addressing a joint press briefing yesterday with his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, who is on a one-day state visit to Nigeria, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua said Nigeria has about 183 trillion cubic metres of gas resources that could still be exploited and developed, and pointed out the one of the agreements signed between the NNPC and Russia's Gazprom, is geared towards utilising the resources.
In a communiqué issued after the briefing, the two leaders said the bilateral talks covered a wide range of issues, including pressing global problems and the situation on the African continent.
The Presidents agreed to expand cooperation between Nigeria and Russia on the international issues, as well as to strengthen Nigerian-Russian ties, in the spirit of the Declaration on the Principles of Friendly Relations and Partnership between the Russian Federation, signed on March 6, 2001, in Moscow.
Expressing the need for developing legal framework for Nigerian-Russian cooperation, the Presidents urged that work be completed on all outstanding bilateral agreements as soon as possible.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the progressive growth of bilateral trade. At the same time they underlined the necessity for further increase of the turnover of goods between the two countries, as well as the need for promotion of direct contacts between Nigerian and Russian institutions, agencies and companies.
Having reviewed the level of economic cooperation between their countries, they underlined their firm intention to broaden economic ties, in particular cooperation in the spheres of energy, metallurgy, oil and gas production.
They noted the signing of an MoU between NNPC and JSC Gazprom on the establishment of a joint venture.
The two leaders also pointed out the importance of developing bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian and cultural spheres.
During their talks the two Presidents reviewed key regional and global issues. They noted that Nigeria and Russia share similar views and approaches on the issues of international peace and security, as well as sustainable development.
President Medvedev paid tribute to Nigeria's role in international affairs, especially in Africa, where the country has made great contribution in promoting stability and security on the continent. He reiterated Russia's policy in Africa's which is based on support for the development and progress of the continent.
President Yar'Adua praised Russia's role in the promotion of sustainable social and economic development of African countries, especially in the prevention and resolution of crisis situations on the continent. He called for further Russian assistance in dealing with the challenges confronting Africa.
The two Presidents expressed deep satisfaction with the results of the bilateral talks and affirmed their determination to continue with regular political consultations and dialogue as important means of promoting Nigerian-Russian Strategic partnership and cooperation.
Medvedev extended an invitation to President Yar'Adua to visit Russia, which the Nigerian leader accepted.
Read comments. Write your own.
Copyright © 2009 This Day. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
See all comments (22).
Active Discussions: Medvedev Tours Africa