The Federal Government has asked for a stay of execution of those on death row for drug related offences and financial crimes in Indonesia, while the two countries explore ways for the exchange of prisoners and mutual legal assistance.

In a 27-point communique joint communique issued at the end of bilateral talks between President Goodluck Jonathan and his Indonesian counterpart President Susilo Yudhoyono which noted with delight that Nigeria and Indonesia are committed to strengthening their relations.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of friendly relations in the past 48 years and a commitment to expand in various fields.

They also welcomed the signing of MoU to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in narcotics. Nigeria’s president was said to have told his visitor to soft pedal on the execution of Nigerians on death row in Indonesia pending their legal mutual agreements.

Some of the areas of cooperation include agriculture, security, peace keeping, as well as trade and investments.

On his part, the Indonesian president promised to cooperate with Nigeria in agriculture, trade and investment.

Both presidents agreed that Nigeria and Indonesia would share best practices and capacity building in the achievements of the millennium development goals.