The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday called for a closer collaboration between Nigeria and Colombia in order to improve diplomatic ties and enhance democratic governance in both countries.
Senator Saraki, according to a statement by the chief press secretary to the Senate President, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, spoke when he received a Parliamentary delegation from Colombia, led by Senator Edinson Delgado in his office.
He also said that the National Assembly is open to relationships with other advanced parliaments across the globe to broaden its legislative experience and knowledge of its lawmakers.
He noted that Nigeria and Colombia have a long standing relationship that need to be oiled and improved upon for mutual benefits just as he canvassed for strong investment in the Nigeria economy by Colombian investors.
He said; “We are happy that you are here. I believe your visit will further strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Colombia.
“For many years, lots of opportunities have not been harnessed by both countries in spite of the fact that Nigeria and Colombia have a lot of things in common. Here in Nigeria, we have two chambers just like you have in Colombia.
“We are very identical, we must build this relationship and that is why I am encouraging this visit particularly at this period of diversification of our economy,” Saraki said.
The Senate President extended invitation to the parliament of Colombia for cooperation and exchange of programmes that would improve the quality of law making in both countries.
Earlier, the leader of the Colombian parliamentary delegation, Senator Edinson Delgado called for mutual cooperation between his country and Nigeria for mutual diplomatic and economic benefits.
Delgado said the team which comprised of Colombian businessmen and investors was in Nigeria on a three city tour of Lagos, Yola and Port Harcourt to foster partnerships and explore opportunities with a focus on commerce, industry and agriculture between both countries.
He promised to work hard to improve the economic and parliamentary relationship between Colombia and Nigeria.
“We are keen to strengthen our diplomatic relationship and establish basic opportunities between our two countries.” Delgado said.
Sanni Onogu
Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President
