SAN FRANCISCO, August 19, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday in Abuja expressed his desire for improved relationship between Nigeria and Thailand, saying the two countries could benefit from each other’s development experiences.
Welcoming the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Dr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, to his office in Abuja, the President said he was pleased that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries were already exploring other areas of cooperation beyond rice importation and oil export to deepen bilateral ties.
President Jonathan, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said he looked forward to seeing Thailand become a key partner as Nigeria intensified efforts to develop the agricultural sector with emphasis on rice production.
The President also called for exchange of trade delegations between the two countries as a way of boosting economic relations and fostering cooperation among Thai and Nigerian investors especially in agricultural and solid minerals sectors.
“Nigeria will continue to co-operate with Thailand to make sure that our countries improve economically,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.
Speaking earlier, the Special Envoy, who is also Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, had congratulated President Jonathan on his government’s achievements in the past two years particularly, in the areas of transportation, electoral reforms, education, gender equality and diversification of the economy.
He also informed President Jonathan of the intention of the Thai Government to host a Thai-African initiative next February with the aim of promoting trade relations with African countries.
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