Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara late Friday in Abidjan, conferred Cote D'Ivoire's highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Nation on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at a state banquet.
Ouattara, who also conferred the honour of Commander of the Order of the Nation on the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, said it was in appreciation of Nigeria's contributions to peace, stability and progress in Cote D'Ivoire.
Speaking at the occasion, Jonathan, who began a state visit to that country early Friday said Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire must continue to strengthen their bilateral cooperation.
He said that bilateral cooperation between both countries would be to the benefit of their citizens and others in the West African sub-region.
Jonathan said, "As partners, driven by shared values and a common strategic objective, namely, the security, stability and prosperity of our sub-region, we must continue to build on the historical bond of friendship and solidarity which have served our two countries in the past.
"My challenge and also President Ouattara's challenge, is to intensify this partnership for the benefit of our citizens and the entire sub-region of West Africa.
"We must fight poverty collectively through pooling of our resources, value-addition, intra-regional trade and promotion of investments."
Jonathan thanked his host and the people of Cote D'Ivoire for the special honours conferred on him and the First Lady.
NAN
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What can you expect from the struggling goverment of Ivory Coast . It's like a thief congratulating fellow theif on collective success to rob a bank of billions .