Jonathan/Obama confab: Nigeria promises further ties with USA to boost trade, investment, security

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday said that his administration intends to strengthen Nigeria's relations with the US in the areas of trade and economic development.

Jonathan said this during talks with United States President, Barack Obama, in New York ahead of the 68th session of the United Nations.

He also expressed appreciation for the support and assistance Nigeria had been receiving from the US in the fight against domestic terrorism.

Jonathan, at the talks, called for a stronger global consensus and determination to end the scourge of terrorism as quickly as possible.

He said that unless the international community unites and deploys its enormous resources to eradicate terrorism, it would continue to be embarrassed by outrages such as the heinous attack on defenceless shoppers in Nairobi.

Jonathan also assured Obama of his commitment to the continuous strengthening of Nigeria's electoral processes and the country's democratic institutions.

He also applauded Obama's Power Africa and Youth Leadership Initiatives, noting that both schemes would complement aspects of his administration's agenda for national transformation.

Obama had while welcoming Jonathan to the meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, described Nigeria as a critical partner of the US in Africa.

He assured Jonathan that the US would continue to cooperate with Nigeria in all possible areas, including the war against domestic and global terrorism.

Jonathan's delegation to the meeting with Obama included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Adebowale Adefuye, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke, and the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo.

The US Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry and Obama's National Security Adviser, Ms. Susan Rice, were also present at the talks.