By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-Bulgaria has described as very cordial, the trade ties between Nigeria and Bulgaria.
Chairman of the committee, Munachim Alozie, who stated this yesterday during a farewell meeting held at the National Assembly Complex in honour of his Excellency, Ambassador Yanko Yordanov noted that Nigeria has a very long history of progressive ties with Bulgaria.
According to the lawmaker, Nigeria, which is known as the giant of Africa, is also blessed with several cultural and traditional heritage.
He explained: “And so, we have not come to bade him farewell, but to celebrate one who by his intentional association, inclination and interaction have become one of us (Nigerian), who enjoys our meals specially.
“I want to in a special way, formally recognise the presence of Ambassador Yordanov (the Bulgarian Ambassador) and his delegation, knowing that the partnership between both our countries will continue in trade and economic cooperation, education and human capital development, agriculture and food security, health, energy sector, tourism etc. And we hope to continue to exchange more initiatives and ideas towards strengthening the cooperation between us.
“Our aspiration is to become a beacon and a point of reference in initiating, fostering and promoting sustainable partnerships and development that are respectful, visible, measurable, responsible and mutually beneficial for both countries.
“As part of our programme, we will be conducting trade missions to Bulgaria and Nigeria; and we already have one coming up soon. I want to take this opportunity to invite you all to participate in the Investment, Tourism and Trade Mission to identify and explore partnership opportunities in Bulgaria from July 14 – 20”.
He informed that Nigeria under the current democratic dispensation is fully determined to strengthen more trade deals and bilateral relations among major countries of the world.
He equally commended the outgoing ambassador for the delibrate practical steps taken to improve trade deals between his country and Nigeria, maintaining that various positive deals had been made during his tenure.
In his address, the outgoing ambassador expressed satisfaction to the Nigerian government and her people, stating that he was able to accomplish all that he did because of support from several people.
He also described as a “great privilege”, the opportunity to serve his country and people through Nigeria.
He said Nigeria is not just the giant of Africa, but also a giant of other positive endeavours.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Yordanov said, being in the country as an ambassador, he appreciated the strong ties between the two countries.
He said Nigeria and Bulgaria have a mutually beneficial relationship spanning many decades which has led to cooperation in various fields of development that would be maintained and improved upon for the benefit of the two nations.
He said, “This is due mostly to our cooperation in the areas of agriculture, business ties, leading to partnerships in transportation and infrastructure. So we are looking forward to build upon what we have achieved.
“The new emotions that I am feeling are, enthusiasm and satisfaction I see from the results. But I am looking forward to further cooperation between our two nations. Bulgaria is also a very hospitable country and I am sure that both nations can easily find a way to continue”.
A group known as African Coordinator and Director of Parliament, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Joint Session-Africa Union Commission Stimulation in its address said it worked closely with the outgoing ambassador at diffrent capacities.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of a plague by the chairman of the House Committee to the outgoing ambassdor.
