President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday declared that Nigeria enjoys a steadily growing and economically rewarding relationship with the Republic of India.
This was as he described India as “Nigeria’s biggest trade partner’’.
He spoke while receiving Letters of Credence from High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Mr Abhay Thakur, at the State House and was contained in a statement signed and forwarded to DAILY POST by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
President Buhari also called for a closer and stronger partnership that will be mutually beneficial to the citizens.
“Our two countries are very close. India has helped Nigeria in many ways, and we are very grateful. In trade, you are, today, our biggest customer in crude oil purchase,’’ he said.
Recalling his experience at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India, in 1973, the President stated that Nigeria’s relationship with India has been long and upwardly rewarding for individuals, institutions and the country.
“I want you to maintain the standard we have attained, and improve on it,’’ President Buhari told the High Commissioner, who listed some areas of bilateral interest that deserved more attention.
On his part, Thakur said India will continue to stand with Nigeria, “shoulder to shoulder in all areas of mutual interest, including security’’, assuring the President that he will work hard on encouraging meetings that focused on reducing double taxation and attract more Foreign Direct Investments, actualize Nigerian airline, Air Peace’s dream of two weekly flights to Bombay and open up the visa regime more.
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