To sustain bilateral ties between the Kebbi State Government and Pakistan, both parties have agreed to partner in exploring areas of corporation in trade, education, mining, science, technology, health and industrialisation.
This was made known when the State Governor, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, received the Pakistani High Commissioner to Nigeria, Major General Muhammad Tayyib Azzam, this week at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
Major Azzam who called in on the governor, disclosed that he was in Kebbi State on behalf of the Pakistani Government to explore areas of cooperation on trade, agriculture, health and development for the benefit of the two entities.
He pointed out that Nigeria and Pakistan shared similarities in flag colours, rail, engineering, geopolitics, economy, including security challenges. He also said that Kebbi, more than any other Nigerian state, is similar to Pakistan in areas of culture, religion and agriculture.
The High Commissioner said, ”Nigeria is also an emerging economy and it happens to be one of the most promising nations of the world. The two nations have been enjoying robust relations in education, as well as railway engineering, among others.”
Pakistan, according to Azzam seeks to establish a few mega pharmaceutical firms, bulk vegetables and fruits cold storage facilities. He said the country is also planning to develop vaccines, anti-snake venoms, surgical equipment and other areas which Kebbi State can partner in and benefit from.
In his statement, the Governor, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu explained that although a mutually beneficial partnership already exists between Pakistan and Nigeria and Kebbi State, more has to be done to cement the bilateral ties between both entities.
“Kebbi state is willing to do more, work hard and this will resonate with our people. We will pave the way for Kebbi and Pakistan to do more,” Bagudu said, stressing that priorities would be placed on agriculture, science and technology, health and Industrialisation. “Our proximity to Niger and Benin Republics is a comparative advantage,” he added.
He further urged the high commissioner to ease the issuance of visas to indigenes of Kebbi state to allow an expansion in their diplomatic ties through business relationships, especially.
“Nigeria attaché in Pakistan is from Kebbi State. Our business communities are represented in this occasion of your visit, and I’m sure they will be willing to do business with your country.
“Kebbi State has a growing agriculture sector which Pakistan can participate in. Pakistan can also partner my wife’s cancer programme, and in the various programmes of the federal and state universities that are in the state,” the Governor added.
