Buhari - I wants more trade relations with Italy

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday called for more intensive trade and economic engagement between Nigeria and Italy.

He made the call when the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Paolo Gentiloni, visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President described the connection between Nigeria and Italy as very strong.

He urged, however, that efforts should be made to make it stronger and more secure.

“President Buhari commended the resilience of Italian businesses in Nigeria and expressed happiness that new businesses were in line to be set up in the country.

“He also commended Italian support for government in tackling the humanitarian situation in the Northeast and the training they are giving to Nigerian policemen,” the statement read.

Gentiloni, who was accompanied by the Italian Minister of State for Interior, Mr. Domenico Manzione, announced his government’s $10m humanitarian assistance to the Lake Chad region countries in addition to what they are already doing.

This, he said, was within the framework of the European Union.

He said the visit of the business group on his delegation was a fulfillment of the promise made by the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Matteo Renzi, during his visit in February, to strengthen relations with Nigeria politically and economically.