Islamic Republic of Pakistan attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with the Federal Republic of Nigeria as both countries share similar views on Regional and International issues of mutual interest including Human Rights and Terrorism. This was disclosed by President Mamnoon Hussain when he met a Nigerian Delegation led by Senator (Dr) Aliyu Magatakarda Wammakko recently in Islamabad.
Although, diplomatic relations were established between Pakistan and Nigeria in the 60s , it has not translated into a robust trade and investment. However, bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries have considerably strengthened between 2012-2015 that resulted in enhancement of trade volume from US 80 Million to US 500 Million. The major credit of this achievement goes to the personal efforts of the former Nigerian High Commissioner to
Pakistan, Ambassador Dauda Danladi, mni, who mobilized the entire Pakistan Chambers of Commerce, the Business Community and government officials to move to Nigeria in various fields such as Agriculture, Defence, Agricultural Machinery, Fertilizers, Leather Garments, Pharmaceuticals and Textile Industries.
It will be recalled that President Mamnoon Hussain of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan along with 70 member trade delegation were in Nigeria in 2014 for the first time since the establishment of diplomatic relations.This visit, being the first in the history of Nigeria - Pakistan bilateral relations, was initiated by Ambassador Dauda Danladi,mni former Nigerian High Commissioner to Pakistan. During that historic visit, agreements in the areas of Agricultural Production, textile, Industrial cooperation, Defence Production, Culture and Tourism and the control of illicit trafficking of hard drugs among others were signed.
Discussions centered on the need to set up “Focus Groups” from both countries to fast track the implementation of the agreements signed. During the Presidential visit, President Mamnoon Hussain extended invitation to former Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wammakko, the Governor of Kano State, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankoso now Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Governor of Nasarawa State to visit Pakistan for collaboration with the Provinces of Pakistan , towards boosting agricultural development.
It was in the light of this fraternal gesture that Senator (Dr) Aliyu Magatakarda Wammakko along with the former Nigerian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ambassador Dauda Danladi,mni recently paid a 14 days visit to Pakistan.
The delegation paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Mamnoon Hussain in Islamabad. Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wammakko extended the fraternal greetings of President Muhammadu Buhari and the good people of Nigeria and stated that the Government under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to eradicating terrorism, corruption, and
unemployment. He further stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria is according Agriculture and the exploitation of solid minerals top priority, while strategic plan for education and empowerment of the people will be given a boost in the 2016 national budget.
During the meeting, President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain said Pakistan will continue to assist Nigeria Defence Industries through the transfer of Military Technology and Training as well as partnership between Pakistan Defence Industries and the Defence Industries corporation of Nigeria (DICON).Pakistan will also provide assistance to build the Nigerian Air Force Industrial Complex to maintain its aircraft fleet.
President Mamnoon Hussain also noted that just like Boko Haram in Nigeria, Pakistan’s security is also threatened by terrorist groups, therefore, he called for cooperation between the two countries in fighting terrorism to eliminate this scourge towards the achievement of global peace.
The President pointed out that Pakistan has been able to develop its military industries and is now producing aircrafts such as the Super Mushak,the GF17 Thunder jets that can compete with F16 Fighter Jets, the Al-Khalid Tanks, APCs and other Military Hardwares. The President acknowledged with admiration the visit of Service Chiefs and other top Military officers to Pakistan who have express interest in the fighter jets. He said Pakistan will offer these Military hardwares at very competitive prices to Nigeria considering that both countries are members of the D-8 countries.
The President also noted that both countries should lay emphasis on the development of the Educational Sector and provide attractive incentives to attract the best brains in the educational sector. He expressed Pakistan willingness to develop Nigeria's Textile, Agriculture and pharmaceutical industries.
In his closing remarks, President Mamnoon Hussain commended the efforts of the former Nigerian High Commissioner, Ambassador Dauda Danladi,mni, whose untireless efforts and commitment has upon up a new vista of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. He extended his heartiest felicitations to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and prayed for the progress, prosperity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
At the end of the meeting, Senator ( Dr) Aliyu Magatakarda Wammakko , former Governor of Skoto State, personally thanked the President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain for extending cooperation in the field of counter terrorism,defence, agriculture, education and the development of textile industries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He acknowledged the need to quickly set up focus groups to fast track agreements signed between the two countries towards boosting trade and human resource development and promised to convey President Mamnoon Hussain's observations and felicitations to President Muhammadu Buhari and other relevant authorities in Nigeria.
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