Buhari calls for global partnership against corruption, terrorism, others

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, called for global partnership against mutual challenges which include corruption, terrorism, poverty, climate change among others.

In accordance with a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President talked while receiving confidential letters from some ambassadors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The statement was named “Let’s collectively tackle rising threats to our common existence, President Buhari urges envoys.”

The President received confidential letters from High Commissioner of The Gambia, Mr Mohamadou Njie; Ambassador of South Korea, Mr Kim Young-Chae; Ambassador of Slovak, Mr Tomas Felix; High Commissioner of Australia, Mr John Donnelly; High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Mr Masudur Rahman; and Ambassador of Guinea Bissau, Dr Jaao Butiam Co.

The President was cited as declaring that “I would like to lay emphasis on the need for us to come together to address and overcome our common challenges.

“Terrorism, insurgency, displacement of persons, climate change, population explosion, human trafficking, corruption, poverty, and proliferation of small arms and light weapons are all either the sources of conflict or results of it.

“These challenges, though on a diverse scale, threaten the existence of humanity and human relations.

“These challenges underscore the need for the international community to work together to collectively identify appropriate measures to globally overcome these challenges.”

Buhari further disclosed to the diplomats that the unique Covid pandemic remains the greatest threat to humanity as it affects public health and also devastates the economy and business of the people.

He said, “Although countries around the world have commenced the vaccine rollout against the pandemic, mitigating the spread of the virus and the impact of its infection remains cause for concern.”

The President guaranteed the new diplomats that Nigeria appreciates excellent bilateral relations with each of their nations, and there was a need to improve the cordial relations for the joint advantage of people.

He said, “In addition to the fraternal relations between us, the one thing Nigeria has in common with your countries is peace. Peace is priceless, desirable and crucial to sustainable development and achieving the targets set by the UN global initiatives.

“It is therefore imperative for us to work individually and bilaterally for sustainable peace. Achieving global peace is vital to attaining food security. Peace and food security should be pursued simultaneously.”

While receiving the Ambassadors to Nigeria as they officially accept diplomatic responsibilities, President Buhari advised them to expand on the accomplishments of their precursors.

He stated, “This age-long tradition and practice enshrined in the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations marks the official commencement of your functions as principal representatives of your respective countries.”

Talking on behalf of the envoys, High Commissioner of The Gambia expressed gratitude to the President for the warm welcome they had received since arriving into the nation.

He said, “We will not spare efforts in putting in our best to improve relations between our countries.”