Falling oil prices: Jonathan seeks closer ties among oil producing countries

By Lawrence Olaoye

President Goodluck Jonathan has called on all crude oil producing nations in the world to close their ranks and work together in order to overcome the current challenge of falling crude oil prices.

Speaking at an audience with Angola’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Eustaquio Janeiero Quibato, Jonathan said that African oil producing countries must come together and strategize on the best ways of protecting their domestic economies from the vagaries of fluctuating oil prices.

Jonathan said “We are blessed with oil and we must continue to do all that we possibly can to maximize its benefits for our countries and the African continent.”

While noting that Nigeria and Angola have always had cordial bilateral relations, the President called for the expansion of trade, economic, cultural and political cooperation between the two countries.

“For years, we have had a solid relationship. Historically, we have been together. So Nigeria and Angola should also work with greater synergy at continental and global fora,” he counseled.

At another audience with Hungary’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ternak Gabor, the President called for greater international support and assistance for the West African countries which continue to be

plagued by the Ebola Virus Disease.

Jonathan also received Letters of Credence from the new ambassador of Burundi, Mr. Mathias Haranungarawe and that of Serbia, Prof. Jovan Maric.

He wished them very successful tenures in Nigeria and assured them that they will receive the full cooperation of the Federal Government as they work to enhance bilateral relations between their countries and Nigeria.