Buhari leaves for France today

16 May Buhari leaves for France today

President Muhammadu Buhari is to leave today for Paris, France, on a four-day official visit to attend African Finance Summit.

In a statement by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the summit will focus on reviewing African economy, following shocks from COVID-19 pandemic, and getting relief, especially from increased debt burden on countries.

To be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, the summit will also draw major stakeholders in the global finance institutions and some Heads of Government, “who will, collectively, discuss external funding and debt treatment for Africa, and private sector reforms, amongst others”.

The president will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, and Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire.

Also on the trip are National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai.

…. calls for stronger Nigeria-Turkish ties

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Tecep Tayyep Erdoğan on the phone. In a statement on Saturday, Garba Shehu , Buhari expressed satisfaction with existing bilateral ties between the two countries, and “called for greater Turkish participation in the economy and the humanitarian efforts in the North-East.”

“The President also used the occasion to, on behalf of himself, the Government and the people of Nigeria, extend a sincere message of goodwill and felicitation on the important occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to President Erdoğan and the people of Turkey,” the statement read.

“President Buhari expressed gratitude to Allah for sparing our lives and granting us the ability to perform the important obligations of the month of Ramadan.

“The two leaders expressed their earnest desire for peace and stability to reign in the world, and for an end to all ongoing conflicts as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.”

…Urges Religious Leaders To Unite Against Challenges

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on religious leaders of all faiths to unite in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the Coronavirus pandemic.

Buhari spoke in a meeting with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar lll, who called to felicitate with the President on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the observance of the Eid-el-Fitr.

The President, in a statement signed by presidential spokesman Garba Shehu, called for continuous dialogue between the leaders of the two major faiths for peace and stability to reign in the country.

Buhari commended the Sultan for his effective leadership of the Muslim Ummah and credited him with the unity of the community sustained under his watch.

The Sultan pledged his commitment to the continued existence of the country as one and assured the President of the support of the Sultanate in the ongoing efforts to tackle the challenges facing the nation.