Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to boost trade and investments as well as strengthen cooperation in the areas of security.

Both countries signed the pact on Wednesday at the close of the two-day Second Session of the Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission in Abuja.

Zubairu Dada, the minister of state for foreign affairs, signed the agreements on behalf of Nigeria and Ahmed Alkhamshi, deputy minister of environment, water and agriculture, signed for Saudi Arabia.

Mr Dada said the agreements were a culmination of the brainstorming session by experts and officials who engaged in intensive negotiations on several draft agreements and MoUs presented by the two countries dealing with various aspects of Nigeria-Saudi cooperation.

He explained that the drafts covered three broad working groups: education, culture, youths, sports, defence, security, drugs, human trafficking, economy, trade and investment, Hajj, and labour, among others.

“I wish to commend our experts for the good work done. Nigeria is honoured and pleased to have hosted the current Second Session of the Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission,” stated the Nigerian minister. “It is our firm belief that the conclusions and the outcome of this Session will go a long way in uplifting and advancing the existing level of our bilateral relations for the mutual benefits of our people.”

However, Mr Dada noted that the two countries are determined to continue discussions and negotiations with Saudi Arabia on the pending MoUs and Agreements that could not be concluded during the current session.

Mr Alkhamshi said the agreements were based on the two governments’ desire to enhance joint cooperation and deepen the existing bonds of friendship.

The Saudi official added that the agreements also sought to develop cooperation in economic, social and cultural fields, built on civilisational background since ancient times.

“The governments of the two countries hope that these meetings will be an appropriate means to review performance, evaluate implementations, and develop appropriate solutions to address obstacles to what has not been implemented,” the Saudi official explained. 

(NAN)