On Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Muhammadu Buhari described Nigeria-Canada relations as very cordial and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral ties.
The Nigerian strongman met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada on the sidelines of the 33rd African Union Summit.
President Buhari, while addressing journalists, underscored the warm and friendly relations between Nigeria and Canada. He also acknowledged the commonwealth membership of both countries and the choice of Canada for higher education by Nigerian students.
‘‘We have a lot of students in Canada. We are aware of our vital roles to keep the country together. We are eager to expand trade because you are one of the ‘biggest customers’, of Nigeria’s crude oil.
‘‘But the most important and enduring relations with Canada is education,’’ President Buhari said.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister Trudeau described President Buhari as ‘‘a leader in Africa’’. He also said that it was a pleasure to engage on regional and international issues.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (L) in a chat with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (M) and Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama on the sidelines of the 33rd African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 9, 2020. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari introduces Nigerian delegation to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the 33rd African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 9, 2020. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (L) meets with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (R) on the sidelines of the 33rd African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 9, 2020.
‘‘Your leadership and reflection on the current situation challenging Africa but also the potentials and opportunities are something that I am very much looking up to.
‘‘Canada and Nigeria have a long-standing and deep connection and friendship, and I very much look forward to hearing your perspectives on many big issues facing not just Africa but the world’’ Trudeau said.
