President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday reiterated his administration's pledge to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) all the support needed to conduct elections that meet global standards of acceptability next year.

Jonathan said this yesterday in Abuja when the new European Union (EU) Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria Mr. David Macrae visited him to present his letters of credence.

Jonathan said, "The elections are very important and your concerns are genuine. Nigeria is very important globally because of its huge population, amongst other factors. A stable Nigeria will foster stability in West Africa and the rest of Africa. Successful elections next year will help us achieve greater political stability and we will appreciate further assistance from the EU for the elections," he said.

Jonathan also received the letters of credence of the new Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria Mr. Kyle O'Sullivan and the new Australian High Commissioner Mr. Ian McConille.

At separate audiences with the new envoys, he called for improved economic cooperation between Nigeria and their countries.

Mr. McConille said Australia will support the development of Nigeria's solid minerals sector, adding that the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Mohammed Sada, is currently at a Mining Conference in Australia.