Presidential Research & Communications Unit

The Federal Government has assured that it would enhance its diplomatic ties with Serbia, Portugal, Venezuela and Botswana, particularly in the area of economic relations.

The Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan gave the assurance after the new Serbian Ambassador, Mr. Rifat Rondic and Portuguese Ambassador, Mr. Joao Maria Cabral respectively presented their letters of credence at the State House, Presidential Villa, on Tuesday, February 2.

At the same ceremony, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan also received letters of credence from the new Ambassador of Venezuela, Mr. Enrique Arrundez and the High Commissioner from Botswana, Mr. Clifford Maribe.

``Our Foreign Affairs Ministry will work with you to improve on the economic relations between our countries. We must also encourage the business class of both countries to explore the opportunities available,'' Dr. Jonathan told the Serbian envoy.

He emphasised the need for Nigeria and Portugal to exploit the long historical link between the two countries and work out better economic relations.

The Vice President said that with the formal assumption of duty of Mr. Arrundez, he should work with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to promptly sign the pending Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Venezuela . He recalled that the pending Agreements were reached at the last Africa-South America (ASA) Summit hosted by Venezuela last year.

Vice President Jonathan congratulated Mr. Maribe for the responsibilities assigned him by his country, Botswana, as the first High Commissioner to Nigeria. He expressed satisfaction with the way the government of Botswana has managed the economy of the country and assured improved diplomatic relations between both countries.

Earlier, the Serbian and Portuguese Envoys had respectively requested for improved economic and diplomatic ties with Nigeria.

Arrundez noted that diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Nigeria dated back to 1965 and requested that Nigeria should use its position as the Africa Regional Coordinator of ASA to enhance the relationship.