Nigeria-Benin Republic ties exemplary —Buhari

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has described the security and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Benin as very beneficial to both countries, noting that it should serve as a model for other countries.

Receiving the outgoing Ambassador of Benin to Nigeria, Mr Mouftaou Laleye, at the State House, Abuja, Buhari promised to improve the historic relations between both countries on other key strategic areas for the benefit of their citizens.

This was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu and made available to the State House Correspondents.

The president said 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.

“Our countries and our peoples have no alternative but to remain close,” the president said.

He commended the outgoing ambassador for working hard to improve relations between the two countries in the past eight years, describing his long period of service in Nigeria as a mark of the confidence reposed in him by his country’s leaders.

In his remarks, Ambassador Laleye said he succeeded in his mission in Nigeria because of the strong support he got from the country’s past and present leaders.

He commended President Buhari for stabilising relations between Nigeria and Benin, a relationship he described as brotherly.