Ashiru in Brazil, prepares ground for strategic partnership

This was shown during a visit to Brazil by the Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.A foreign ministry statement said Ashiru visited Brazil on the invitation of his Brazilian counterpart, Mr. Antonio De Aguierpatriota, during which he paid a courtesy call on the Brazilian Senate President, […]

This was shown during a visit to Brazil by the Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.
A foreign ministry statement said Ashiru visited Brazil on the invitation of his Brazilian counterpart, Mr. Antonio De Aguierpatriota, during which he paid a courtesy call on the Brazilian Senate President, met members of the Foreign Affairs Committee who attended a mini-business forum and had a meeting with some Brazilian business executives and reiterated his call to them to do business with Nigeria.
The minister as well held discussions with officials of the Ministry of Defence to foster cooperation in defence matters particularly transfer of military technology as well as training of Nigerian military personnel. Consequently, an invitation has been extended to Nigerian Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, to visit Brazil for further discussions on this matter.
He also had extensive and fruitful discussions on bilateral, regional, and international issues with his Brazilian counterpart. Both sides agreed on the inaugural meeting of the strategic dialogue at the level of vice-presidents to hold in November which would focus on seven areas; viz Agriculture, Mining, Energy, Trade and Investment, Infrastructure, Defence, and Aviation.  The strategic dialogue is timed to enable finalisation of discussions for agreements to be concluded on promotion of investment, avoidance of double taxation, agriculture and aviation.
Ashiru also commissioned the newly-built block of residential apartments for officers of the Nigerian embassy in Brazil.  The statement added that the reactions from the Brazilian side were indicative of the desire to promote closer cooperation and stronger ties with Nigeria. “They professed to ensure the success of the strategic partnership.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will therefore proceed to organise inter-ministerial meetings in the near future to adequately prepare in order to ensure the success of the inaugural session of the Strategic Dialogue between Nigeria and Brazil slated for November 2013.”, the statement said.