21 March 2013, Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan will be in Equatorial Guinea from today (Thursday) on a two-day state with oil and gas exploitation topping the agenda of issues to be discussed with host president.
A statement by Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, stated that the visit was in continuation of Nigeria’s efforts to boost economic and trade relations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Abati said the president would, in the course of the visit, hold talks in Malabo with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on various issues of mutual interest to both countries.
He said the issues included the enhancement of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, exploitation of oil and gas resources and the enhancement of developmental cooperation between both countries.
“It is expected that new agreements on strengthening of economic relations and developmental cooperation between both countries will be concluded and signed before the end of the visit on Friday,” Abati stated.
The presidential spokesperson also noted that the president would meet with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea before returning to Abuja.
According to him, Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta and Gov. Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe as well as Sen. Ibrahim Gobir and Mr Cyril Egwuatu would be on the president’s entourage.
Also on the entourage will be the ministers of petroleum resources, Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke; trade and investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga; aviation, Princess Stella Oduah and culture and tourism, Dr Edem Duke.
The Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada and the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Dr Nurudeen Mohammed, are also members of the entourage.
