PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (R) BEING RECEIVED BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA OF THE UNITED STATES AT THE WALDORF HOTEL, NEW YORK. SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO, September 23, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a stronger global consensus and determination to end the scourge of terrorism as quickly as possible.
He made the call on Monday in New York during his talks with President Barrack Obama of the United States ahead of the opening of the 68th session of the United Nations on Tuesday.
President Jonathan said unless the international community unites and deploys its enormous resources to eradicate terrorism, it will continue to be embarrassed by terrorist outrages such as the heinous attack on defenseless shoppers in Nairobi at the weekend which both leaders strongly condemned.
President Jonathan,in a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, expressed his appreciation of the support and assistance Nigeria has been receiving from the United States for its fight against domestic terrorism.
He added, however, that Nigeria will welcome even more bilateral collaboration in this regard.
The President said his administration also looked forward to the further strengthening of Nigeria’s relations with the United States in the areas of trade and economic development.
He reassured President Jonathan of his commitment to the continuous strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral processes and the country’s democratic institutions.
President Jonathan also applauded President Obama’s Power Africa and Youth Leadership Initiatives, saying both initiatives would complement aspects of his administration’s agenda for national transformation.
President Obama, while welcoming President Jonathan to their meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, had described Nigeria as a critical partner of the United States in Africa.
He assured President Jonathan that the United States will continue to cooperate with Nigeria in all possible areas, including the war against domestic and global terrorism.
President Jonathan was accompanied to the talks by the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) Prof. Viola Onwuliri; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Adebowale Adefuye; the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke; and the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo.
Also present at the talks were the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry and President Obama’s National Security Adviser, Ms. Susan Rice.
