Wike receives Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire, harps on strengthening ties

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike yesterday received the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore, in his office, in Abuja, and stressed the need to strengthen the relationship between both countries to be smooth and cordial, in such a way that there would be a symbiotic one.
Wike noted that there is need for stakeholders to cooperate among African countries, especially among ECOWAS countries, if there is that understanding.
He said: “We will continue to strengthen our relationship, luckily our President (Mr. Bola Tinubu) is the Chair, and so, we will do everything we can to see that our relationship is smooth and cordial, in such a way that there would be a symbiotic relationship.
“If they are things you think we should do, do not hesitate to let us know.”
On the issue of request for prompt development of land in Abuja, the nation’s capital city, the Minister said: “the whole essence why we make development request is for fighting insecurity, we do not want to leave certain areas for miscreants, and so, we thank you for the support.
“So ,I’ll be glad when I see the proposal for us to see how we can strengthen relationship between Abuja and Yamoussoukro, which is the political capital of Côte d’Ivoire.
“Let me also say that the issue of tax will be waved and I will call the authorities that are responsible, to see that we cooperate with you on this issue.
“ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have told me that the same thing is applied to them in the other countries where they operate. So that will not be an issue.”
Earlier, Traore informed the Minister that the visit was to inform the minister that the Embassy was about to begin the development of the land allocated to it in Maitama.
This, according to the Ambassador, was in line with the minister’s directive that all allocated plots must be developed within a specified or would be revoked.
“We were given two plots in Abuja: one at the Diplomatic Drive area and the other at Maitama.
“We have built a big building in the Diplomatic Drive area, and we are about to commence the development of the plot in Maitama”, he said.
The Ambassador has concluded plans to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire in different areas.
“I also want to come to you with a proposal of twinning Abuja and the political capital of Cote d’Ivoire, Yamoussoukro, to find a common ground to move forward”,he said.