Buhari Returns from UAE, Seeks Sustenance of Security, Counter-terrorism Pacts

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday returned to Abuja after a two-day official visit to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The president, who departed the country at about 1:30 pm Thursday, landed at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 4 pm, along with the members of his entourage.

While in the UAE, Buhari canvassed for stronger bilateral relations between the two countries.
He was emphatic about the sustenance of security and counter-terrorism pacts between the two countries.
The president, according to a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, also expressed his determination to do more to ensure the growth and intensification of the strategic partnership between the two nations.

President Buhari met the new President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he sent Nigeria’s condolences on the passing of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He also joined the Jummah prayers, at which prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the late President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday.

In a short interaction with the new Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during a condolence visit to the Presidential Palace, President Buhari expressed the hope that under Sheikh Mohamed the two countries will continue to actively champion a vision of sustainable security, strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, facilitate trade and investment, and promote prosperity and development.

In the seven years of the Buhari Presidency, the two countries have actively conducted bilateral dialogues leading to several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) that have paved the way for further cooperation, mutual understanding and progress in many aspects of their bilateral relations.

The president also expressed his condolences and that of Nigeria on the demise of the late President Sheikh Khalifah and congratulated the new president on his election.