Strengthening Canada's Ties with Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria, October 9, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and his counterpart, Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, met today in Abuja, Nigeria, where they inaugurated the Canada-Nigeria Binational Commission, a forum that allows for enhanced cooperation on political, economic, security, and development issues, and is designed to identify specific opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

The two ministers also announced the start of talks on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement to encourage more Canadian businesses to do business in Nigeria. Africa's most populous nation, Nigeria is home to a rapidly expanding economy rife with opportunity for Canadian companies. This agreement will lead to new opportunities and stronger economies in both countries.

Baird highlighted that the common goals of democracy, security and prosperity bind Canada's long and proud friendship with Nigeria, and he pledged to continue strengthening the Canada-Nigeria partnership to further advance these goals.