President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assured the newly inaugurated President of Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum that Nigeria and Niger Republic would stabilize the region for the benefit of both countries.
President Buhari, who gave the assurance when he received President Bazoum, who was in Nigeria on his first international visit, said Nigerians and Nigeriens are people with similar culture, language and ways of life.
According to Buhari; “We also share about 1,500 kilometres of land border, so we cannot ignore each other.”
Buhari congratulated Bazoum on winning the recent presidential election, and his successful inauguration into office.
According to Buhari; “You have been in the system for a long time. The only thing is that you had never been President. Now you are one.
“Nigeria would assist its close neighbour in diverse ways as required”.
On terrorism, as perpetrated by Boko Haram, Buhari observed that Republic of Niger also suffers high casualties, vowing; “We will do all it takes to secure our two countries.”
President Buhari was thankful to the immediate past President, Mahamadou Issoufou, for what he calls “his understanding and sacrifices” to help stabilize the region, urging the successor to maintain the institutions his predecessor had established.
President Bazoum said he was delighted to make Nigeria his first port of call, noting that the two countries have common interests, and, therefore, a good relationship is very important.
On security, he observed that the fact that some Nigerians flee to Niger during terrorist attacks, “shows that we need to cooperate, and we will face our challenges together.”
