By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday reiterated the importance of good neighbourliness to African states.
Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said Buhari spoke at State House, Abuja, while playing host to President Patrice Talon of Republic of Benin, who was on an official visit.
“Good neighbourliness is very important in our lives. The survival of your neighbour is also your own, and we will continue to work with our neighbours in the light of this understanding,” President Buhari stated.
He recalled that on assumption of office for first term in 2015, one of the very first steps he took was to visit neighbouring countries – Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Benin – all towards forging a common understanding on crucial issues, including security, trade and development.
“And those are issues we must continue to engage on, for the good of our countries and the people. Whatever irritations that come up must be removed,” President Buhari said.
President Talon disclosed that he was in Nigeria to show gratitude to President Buhari for the robust leadership he displays in Nigeria and Africa.
Noting that the challenges of 2020 were huge, he stressed that the same challenges may remain in 2021, “and our relationship as neighbours must, therefore, remain cordial.”
Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with Talon at the State House, Abuja.
The Benin Republic leader, who arrived at the forecourt of the presidential villa at 11.09 a.m., was received by President Buhari.