Buhari Canvasses International Community’s Support against COVID-19, Struggling Economies

By Deji Elumoye

President Muhammadu Buhari has canvassed for joint international efforts to tackle the menace of COVID-19, with spillovers into dwindling national economies that would require a global framework to ameliorate the burden of struggling citizens and re-ignite growth.

The president spoke Tuesday in the State House, Abuja, while receiving Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Republic of Bulgaria, Mr Yanko Yordanou; People’s Republic of China, Mr Cui Jianchun; High Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr Muhammad Tayyab Azan; Ambassadors of Republic of Turkey, Mr Hidayet Bayraktar and Ukraine, Valerii Kirdoda.

He told the foreign envoys: “As you all settle down to your solemn duties to promote your respective national values and interests through your countries’ foreign policy on Nigeria, you should be rest assured that the Federal Republic of Nigeria will engage you as we all strive to relate through effective cooperation and collaboration to enhance our collective interests.

“As we are all aware, the pre-COVID-19 era was already faced with the challenge of attaining sustainable development. Some countries were even faced with additional challenges like securing their territorial integrity against violent non-state actors.

“The unprecedented crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has now caused far more serious setbacks to our quests for sustainable development; hence the need for international cooperation and collaboration to fight the disease, as no country is immune from its devastating effects on lives and livelihoods.”

He noted the need for greater unity of purpose and concerted efforts to address common challenges such as climate change, terrorism, insurgency, population growth, highlighting their catastrophic impacts and why the challenges cannot be underestimated.

“These challenges underscore the need for the international community to work even more in concert with each other to collectively identify appropriate ways and manners to globally resolve these challenges,’’ Buhari added.

The president said bilateral relations between Nigeria and each of the countries were most cordial, adding that: “We still need to enhance these fraternal ties between our nations.’’

President Buhari welcomed the envoys to Nigeria, urging them to build on the successes of their predecessors, while assuring them that the government would continue to support their mission in Nigeria.

He also implored the ambassadors to ensure accurate reports on Nigeria in their assessments to home governments, adding: “That way, we can achieve greater understanding between our countries.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to Abuja, Nigeria, marking the formal assumption of your diplomatic responsibilities to your various countries, following the presentation of Letters of Credence that has just been concluded.

“This age-long tradition and practice enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations marks the official commencement of your functions as principal representatives of your respective countries.”

Speaking on behalf of the envoys, the Bulgarian Ambassador extended deep gratitude and appreciation for the reception on arrival in the country and State House, bringing the goodwill of the Heads of State.

Yordanou expressed the desire of the countries to continue working with Nigeria, assuring President Buhari that the partnerships at various levels will be of progress and prosperity.