Nigeria calls for strengthening of relations with Zimbabwe

of relations between Harare and Abuja to boost economic and social ties.
Speaking to journalists after meet­ing Acting President John Landa Nkomo at his Munhumutapa Offices yesterday, Mr Nuhu said Zimbabwe and Nigeria enjoyed long-standing relations.

He said his visit to the Acting Presi­dent was a courtesy call on sen­ior Gov­ernment leaders following his presen­tation of credentials to Presi­dent Mugabe.
“We had fruitful discussions on the relationship of our two countries,” said Mr Nuhu.

“You would be aware that we have a long list of bilateral agreements between our two countries and most of them are not functioning.
“This is my first courtesy call after I presented my credentials and I want to work closely with the Government of Zimbabwe.”

Mr Nuhu stressed the importance of regional integration among African states.
He said countries in West Africa had embraced the importance of regional integration and it was his wish to see the whole of Africa work­ing together.

Said Mr Nuhu: “It is our wish to see all African countries coming to work together. In West Africa we have already started doing that and regional integration is absolutely nec­essary.”

He proposed a direct flight linking Harare and Abuja to facilitate social and economic integration.

People travelling to Nigeria from Zimbabwe have to connect via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
Nigeria and Zimbabwe shared a common history as they were both colonised by Britain.