Tinubu receives Blinken at Aso Rock

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received the visiting US Secretary of State, Mr Anthony John Blinken in his office at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja.

On arrival, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, received Blinken at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.

Blinken had a bilateral talks with the Nigerian delegation headed by President Tinubu, soon on arrival at the State House.

Nigeria’s Miniater of Foreign Affairs and the US Secretary of State, briefed the press on some of the issues discussed at the bilateral meeting.

Tuggar hinted that the discussions centered on food security, agriculture, pahramaciticals and security in the West African subregion.

He said President Tinubu also raised the issue of the desirability of Nigeria to be represented in the G-20 and the United Nation Security Council as a member.

Also speaking at the joint press briefing, Blinken commended the role of Nigeria in stabilising the subregion.

He said his country is interested in the genuine partnerships, disclosing that many American companies are eager to invest in Nigeria.

The US Secretary of State, however, urged the Nigerian leader to step up efforts in the ongoing fight against corruption in order to secure a guarantee for the repatriation of profits by foreign investors.

Nigeria is the third country Blinkin is visiting on his Africa tour aimed at building better bilateral relations and partnership with the African Continent.

On arrival in Abuja, he was received by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and Tuggar.

Blinken started his fourth African trip this week, visiting Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola.

Key priorities of the visit include bolstering security partnerships and enhancing health and economic development in the region.