Nigeria, Kenya sign Joint Commission pact

Nigeria and Kenya on Tuesday signed an agreement for the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation.

The agreement followed bilateral talks between Nigeria and a Kenyan delegation, led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, in the Nigerian capital, Abuja

Speaking ahead of the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa, President Jonathan said key countries in Africa such as Nigeria and Kenya must collaborate more to achieve success in implementing the continent’s agenda of greater economic integration.

“The key countries in Africa must work together to create larger markets for our products and boost our national economies. We must cooperate more, boost cross-border investments and encourage our private sectors to participate in economic development across the continent,” the President said.

He expressed the hope that the Nigeria-Kenya Joint Commission for Cooperation would quickly develop a blueprint for greater trade and economic relations between the two countries for the benefit of their citizens.

A Protocol on Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries was also signed after the talks between the two Presidents and their delegations.

In furtherance of the agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Kenya, President Jonathan accepted an invitation from President Kenyatta to undertake a state visit to Kenya at his earliest convenience.

President Kenyatta who also accepted a similar invitation from President Jonathan, urged him to come to Nairobi with Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors, promising to organise a forum for them to meet notable Kenyan businessmen with a view to establishing profitable joint ventures for the benefit of the Nigerian and Kenyan economies.

PANA