Nigeria-Egypt trade volume not impressive, says Egyptian minister

Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sameh Shoukry, says the volume of trade between Nigeria and his country is not encouraging, considering the populations of both countries.

He told journalists on Saturday in Abuja that although the two countries enjoyed strong bilateral relations, his country would discuss a way to improve on trade agreements with the President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said he was in Nigeria to represent and deliver the goodwill of Egyptian President, Abdel el-Sisi, to Mr. Buhari during his inauguration.

He noted that both countries ought to support others in promoting trade activities considering Nigeria’s position in Africa.

Mr. Shoukry noted that Egypt had its agency for development in Nigeria that assisted in capacity building and training of manpower in agriculture among other programmes.

He said Nigeria and Egypt should strengthen ties on some issues, especially on security and socio-economic development of both countries.

He promised that Egypt would increase its support to Nigeria to fight terrorism, noting that terrorism on the platform of whatever group was a threat to peace and stability of Africa.

He congratulated Mr. Buhari and wished him success, noting that the evaluation of his performance would not be for the Nigerians alone.
(NAN)