MoUs On Investment Promotion, Protection Pending After Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Joint Commission
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Joint Commission holding in Abuja has ended after two days of intensive negotiations on several draft agreements and the Memoranda of Understanding presented by the two countries dealing with various aspects of Nigeria-Saudi cooperation.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, said discussions and negotiations will continue on pending MoUs and Agreements which could not be concluded during the current session, particularly those on Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and that on the Avoidance of Double Taxation.
He however expressed pleasure that drafts held under three broad Working Groups, covering the fields of Education, Culture, Youths, Sports, Defence, Security, Drugs and Human Trafficking, Economic, Trade and Investment, Hajj, Labour, among others, were fruitful and the MoUs were signed.
The Minister commended the experts for the good work done expressing belief that the conclusions and the outcome of the session will go a long way in uplifting and advancing the existing level of bilateral relations for the mutual benefits of their people.
Zubairu, promised that Nigeria is committed to implementing the MoUs and Agreements signed with a view to elevating the cooperation between the countries to a higher level.
The Saudi Arabian Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Fisheries, Engineer Ahmed Elkhemshi, lent his voice to the call that recommendations of the session be subject to implementation and development to contribute to deepening relations between the two countries in various fields, especially economic and trade cooperation for the benefit of all.
He also hopes that the signing of agreement between the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Federation of Nigerian Chambers, will widen the horizon to provide opportunities for the private sector of both countries.
The third session of the Joint Commission is expected to hold in Riyadh Saudi Arabia at a date to be chosen by the host country.
