Ethiopia, Nigeria leaders confer on continental concerns

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

October 8, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday visited Ethiopia for talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on a number of bilateral, regional and continental issues.

“The visit of the Nigerian president will take our bilateral relation one step forward,” Meles told reporters after his discussion with President Jonathan.

The Ethiopian premier called on Nigerian investors to take advantage of investment opportunities in Ethiopia further noting a need for both countries to explore and exploit existing economic opportunities.

“We encourage the vibrant Nigerian private sector to invest in Ethiopia,” Meles said stressing the need for opportunities in both countries.

President Jonathan said his discussions with Prime Minister Meles zenawi were fruitful and an agreement was reached between the two countries to further strengthen economic and trade relations.

Elected on April 2011 Nigeria’s president, who has been on a three-nation tour of Ethiopia, Rwanda and Ghana is looking to boost economic ties with African countries.

“We want to encourage economic ties with Ethiopia and we also invite Ethiopian businessmen to come and invest in Nigeria,” said Goodluck Jonathan.

The two leaders also conferred on a number continental issues including Somalia, Libya and Sudan and the upcoming African Union Summit.

On the case of Eritrea President Jonathan, whose country is currently serving a two year term as a non-permanent member at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), said there are growing allegations that the Red Sea nation is destabilising the region.

Addis Ababa accuses Asmara of backing anti-government armed groups in Ethiopia and Somalia. Eritrea strongly denies this but the issue has been tabled for discussion at the UNSC.

Nigeria and Gabon have been urging the UN Security Council to consider the activities of the Eritrean government. Zenawi has expressed appreciation to the efforts by the countries in highlighting the actions of Ethiopia’s neighbour and former province.

Eritrea denies sponsoring terrorist activities in the Horn of Africa and says the allegations are part of an anti-Eritrean campaign spearhead by Ethiopia.

NIGERIA ROLE TO AU COMMENDED

The Nigerian president, on Friday has also held talks with AU Commissioner, Jean Ping where Jonathan expressed his satisfaction to how the continental bloc is tackling thee challenges of bring peace and security to the continent, particularly in regard to the crises in Sudan and Somalia.

During their meeting at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, AU chief, Jean Ping hailed the role and significant contribution Nigeria is making to the African Union.

“Jonathan’s leadership is manifested in several ways, including politically, economically, culturally, and in the efforts to maintain peace and security on the continent” Ping said.

The AU Commissioner expressed concern over the security in Libya and other parts of the continent that need Africa’s collective efforts to be settled.

Nigeria’s Jonathan stressed a need for all Africans to work jointly to tackle all the challenges the continent is facing so a better Africa is maintained.

“Now it is the era of peace and stability”, he said.

(ST)