Jonathan Seeks Global Assistance To Fight Terrorism

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday made a strong appeal for greater global cooperation and coordination in the war against terrorism, saying Nigeria and other countries will benefit immensely from greater collaboration amongst their security agencies on efforts to combat domestic and international terrorism.

Jonathan made this call at separate audiences with the new ambassadors of Israel, Russia, Greece and Algeria who presented their letters of credence to him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Apparently disturbed by security menace caused by insurgents, hardly had the new ambassadors settled down to begin work when the president told the incoming envoys that Nigeria would welcome increased cooperation from countries that are more experienced in such matters for its ongoing operations against domestic terrorist groups.

He told the new Israeli Ambassador, Mr. Uriel Palti, that he looked forward to visiting Israel later this year and discussing ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He also assured Mr. Alekos Oikonomopoulos, Mr. Nikolay Udovichenko, Mr. Belkacem Smaili and Mr. Amadou Habibou, the new ambassadors of Greece, Russia, Algeria and Senegal respectively, that the Federal Government will fully support their efforts to strengthen existing cordial relations between Nigeria and their countries.

The new ambassadors all expressed their delight at being posted to Nigeria and promised to do everything possible to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between their countries and Nigeria.