Presidential Research & Communications Unit

Nigeria and France during Bilateral Talks in Abuja, today, signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that will further strengthen economic and political cooperation between the two countries.

The Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, leading the Nigerian delegation expressed optimism that the good relationship which had existed between the two countries since the sixties would grow stronger and closer. This is as he called for the French Government's support of Nigeria's aspirations particularly on membership to the UN Security Council.

The Prime Minister of France, Mr. Francois Fillon who led the French delegation also acknowledged that the relationship between the two countries had been cordial and fruitful over the years stressing the willingness of France to work closely with Nigeria for peace and development in Africa.

The MoUs include: Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters; Defence Cooperation and Maritime Security; Economic Cooperation (Partnership Framework); and Extension of the deadline for the disbursement of AFD Funds.

Others are Cooperation between Proparco and Zenith Bank Plc and Heads of Agreement between the Avians de Transport Regional (ATR) and Afrijet Airlines Ltd

Dr. Jonathan at the talks attributed the crisis in the Niger Delta to long time of agitation for infrastructural development, capacity building and wealth creation in the region stressing that the solution is achievable as Government is seriously addressing the issues involved. He assured of the Federal Government's determination to ensure peace and security in the region to encourage investments.

He explained that the creation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta Development were genuine efforts by the Federal Government to address the issues of the region. He further stated that the Federal Government is determined to integrate the people of the region into the scheme of things nationally as well as create such environment that will encourage them to do normal business.

Mr. Fillon while commending Nigeria's peacekeeping role in Africa argued that Nigeria being a leading country in the Continent needed to take its rightful place globally in the area of peace and security. He assured of the French Government's support of Nigeria in the United Nations as well as pledged France's readiness to help Nigeria build a stable and stronger society.

The Nigerian delegation include; the Hon. Minister of Defence. Dr. Shetima Mustafa, Deputy Chairman and Hon. Minister, National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman and Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmed. In the French Delegation are; Minister of Immigration, Integration, National Identity and Community Development, Mr. Eric Besson, Minister of State for Defence and Veterans, Mr. Jean-Marie Bockel, Minister of State for Cooperation and the Francophone, Mr. Alain Joyandet.