By Joyce Remi – Babayeju
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has indicated interest in partnering with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on security, economy, green city development, and other areas of mutual benefit.
The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, sought the partnership during his visit to the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Al-Balawi commended the minister and President Bola Tinubu administration for turning the Federal Territory into what he called a “beautiful green city.”
The envoy said that he aims to strengthen relationships with the FCT Administration and Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia and exchange experiences on developing a green city.
Reacting, Wike said that the FCT would leverage the relationship for of the territory, noting the already robust relationship between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
“We will be happy and willing to visit Riyadh and other cities in Saudi Arabia to find areas of common interest and collaborate for mutual benefits.”
“Saudi Arabia is a significant state in the Gulf Region with a rich history and robust relationship with Nigeria.”
“We will want to capitalize on the good relationship with Nigeria to see how Riyadh and FCT will cooperate and learn from each other.”
Wike commended Al-Balawi, lauding the ongoing transformation in the FCT, and attributing the development to Tinubu’s political will.
He explained the Tinubu administration has transformed the FCT into a modern city that could compete with any city across the world.
“We have not gotten to where we want to be yet, but the Tinubu administration is committed and has what it takes to take the capital city to the global stage,” Wike said.
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