President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday called for a deeper, stronger and more cooperative partnership between Nigeria and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President made the call at separate audiences with the new ambassadors of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to Nigeria after receiving their letters of credence.

Jonathan was quoted to have said that such partnerships would improve the decision-making process within OPEC and open up more opportunities for investment and socio-economic collaboration among its members.

The President told the new Ambassador of the UAE, Mr. Mahmud Al-Mahumud and the new Qatari Ambassador, Mr. Abdul Al Muhannadi, that the cordial diplomatic and political relationship between Nigeria and other OPEC member-countries ought to be translated into more beneficial engagements.

He noted that the ongoing Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government has thrown up more opportunities for investments in agriculture, real estate development, power generation, manufacturing and other areas in Nigeria.

He therefore urged the UAE, Qatar and other OPEC countries to take advantage of the immense potential of Nigeria’s large market and the new investment opportunities in the country which offer quick and high returns.

“We have already seen companies from the UAE investing in telecommunications, and in real estate, and they are doing very well. We want to see them also in agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, and other areas,” Jonathan told the new ambassadors.

Both ambassadors were said to have assured the President that they will do their utmost best to improve trade and economic relations between their respective countries and Nigeria during their tenures.

Jonathan also had a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of Finland, Mrs. Rita Korpivaara.

The President commended Korpivaara’s efforts to enhance bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland.
He wished her success in her future endeavours.