Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria visits Nigeria
………Urges Nigeria to take the lead on African Peace and Security
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs will received in audience the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, His Excellency, Sabri Boukadoun today Thursday 26, November 2020.
In a bilateral and multilateral discussion by the two Ministers, H. E. Boukadoun urged Nigeria to take the lead on issues bothering on peace and security in Africa. The Algerian Minister urged Nigeria to continue playing her role and work together with other countries through openness, rather than trying to dominate the continent, adding that Africa will only grow when she works together.
He noted that Nigeria is key to African Development, “We need to agree in everything that is right.
“Nigeria could do more in the future to take the lead for all african nations on peace and security issues. What we can do together, is, if we speak in unity, strategize with others and express how we can diminish terrorism threat, we can do that with Nigeria. We should find new ways of thinking in developing Nigeria and Algeria”, he expressed.
He advised that Africa needs to draw from its own Natural resources, and Nigeria is in the best position to have a leading role in this area. “It is the natural role of Nigeria to be present. We cannot ignore Nigeria as we cannot achieve peace, security and development in all Africa without Nigeria. Nigeria should play her role, we should not leave it to others. Peace and security in Africa has to be Africa based”.
“We need Nigeria definitely because you trigger everything in Africa, we expect Nigeria to take sides with what is right. We want to give listening ears to what Nigeria will say regarding peace and security in Africa. We should find new ways of thinking in developing Nigeria and Algeria” he stated.
The Minister noted that bilateral relations with Nigeria is cordial with
about 50 bilateral agreements between the two countries and assured that Algeria will increase the speed and commitment to finish the business they have together.
In his response, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, H. E. Geoffrey Onyeama, stated that Nigeria has equal respect for all countries adding that Algeria is among the country that Nigeria has special interest in Africa.
Onyeama further said that Nigerià will be happy to help and assume our responsibility if called upon.
“The important thing is that once there is an african consensus on issues that concern Africa we will have a basis for solution. We will not shy away from our responsibility. We will do our best for Africa”, he stated.
He disclosed that the two countries are also looking at greater economic cooperation in the areas of peace and security, adding that Algeria is a key partner in helping to achieve it in the African continent.
“We will strategize together to make sure that we are on the same page to achieve significant progress. We always seek to maintain that solidarity”, he concluded.
