President Goodluck Jonathan will on Thursday embark on a two-day state visit to Equatorial Guinea to in continuation of the federal government’s efforts in boosting the economic and trade relations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on media, Reuben Abati stated that President Jonathan will in the course of the visit hold talks in Malabo with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on various issues of mutual interest to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
The talks are expected to include the enhancement of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, exploitation of oil and gas resources, and the enhancement of developmental cooperation between both countries.
President Jonathan will lead a delegation including Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, Cyril Egwuatu, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Alison-Madueke, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke, the Minister of State (Defence), Olusola Obada and the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Nurudeen Mohammed to formal bilateral talks with the Government of Equatorial Guinea.
It is expected that new agreements on the strengthening of economic relations and developmental cooperation between both countries will be concluded and signed before the end of the visit on Friday.
The President will also meet with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea before returning to Abuja.
