President Muhammadu Buhari has described the security and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin as very beneficial to both countries.
The President on Thursday in Abuja noted that it should serve as a model for other countries.
He made the remarks when he received the outgoing Ambassador of Benin to Nigeria, Mr Mouftaou Laleye, at the State House in the Federal Capital Territory.
President Buhari promised to improve the historic relations between both countries on other key strategic areas for the benefit of their citizens.
He said that he was very pleased with people-to-people integration between Nigeria and Benin, adding that his administration would continue to pursue and promote friendly relations with neighbouring countries.
“I don’t take neighbourliness lightly, to promote mutual interests, both strategic and tactical, you have no option but to cultivate good relations with your neighbours.
“Our countries and our two peoples have no alternative but to remain close,” the President said.
He commended the outgoing ambassador for working hard to improve relations between both countries in the past eight years.
He described Mr Laleye’s long period of service in Nigeria as a mark of the confidence reposed on him by his country’s leaders.
In his remarks, the Ambassador attributed his success to the strong support he got from Nigeria’s past and present leaders.
He commended President Buhari for stabilising relations between Nigeria and Benin, a relationship he described as brotherly.
