*Gaza: Nigeria reiterates stand on two-state solution
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has reiterated the Americans commitment to investing in Nigeria’s economy.
He disclosed this at a news briefing after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday in Abuja.
Bliken, who is on an African nations tour, said that American entrepreneurs and companies are eager to partner with and invest in Nigeria, especially in the tech sector.
“American entrepreneurs, American companies are eager to partner with and invest in Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the tech sector.
“We have tech giants that have teamed up with Nigerian partners to help Mr president’s new one million digital Jobs Initiative.
“Other companies are part of laying undersea cables, using satellite technology to expand access to the internet. Our tech incubators are fostering Nigeria’s next startups.
“Our venture capital companies are working to finance, so we want to work in partnership to help drive Nigeria’s technological revolution, which is creating jobs.
“It’s growing businesses, and it’s growing innovations in both of our countries,” he said.
Bliken also reiterated the significant role of Nigeria in the development partnership between America and the African continent because of its economic and political position.
He said that the U.S. was working to ensure that Africa gets more voice in the United Nations decision making as a way of incorporating the new realities and dynamics of the world.
“Today, we spoke about a range of common priorities, including our focus on accelerating economic growth and opportunity here. This is a place of extraordinary innovation, extraordinary dynamism.
“The United States is committed to strengthening genuine partnerships on the continent, to solve shared challenges, and also to deliver on the promise and the fundamental aspirations of our peoples.
“Nigeria, as Africa’s largest country, largest economy, largest democracy is essential to that effort.
“We’re driving blue economic development, environmental protection, science and technology exchange, through a new partnership for learning cooperation.
“At the UN General Assembly, just this past September, the president said, and I quote, ‘Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”
Bliken, however, said that as much as American would want collaboration for strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria, the country must continue to tackle challenges to doing business.
He said that the U.S. recognised Tinubu’s strategic measures aimed at reviving the lost confidence of genuine investors in the nation’s economy.
“I think it’s no secret that there remains some long term challenges that need to be overcome, to really unlock the full potential,
“Tackling corruption, making it easier for foreign companies to repatriate capital, these will all pull in a transformative direction and pull in transformative direct investment.
“I know that presidents Tinubu is focused on these challenges, and we also welcome his very bold economic reforms to unify the currency and end fuel subsidy.
“We also recognise that in the short term, these reforms created pain for vulnerable communities.
“I spoke about some ways that the United States can support Nigerians while the government carries out these essential reforms, and work to protect those who may again in the short term, be negatively affected.”
Bliken said that in spite of the identified challenges in Nigeria, the government and American entrepreneurs still continue to explore the great potential of the country in reaching Africa.
He said that large investments are being made by private sector companies in collaboration with local entities to ensure that development was effected for the people, especially in the health sector.
“Over the last five years, we’ve invested $8.3 billion in HIV tuberculosis prevention, care and treatment, and in strengthening the public health system, reaching millions of Nigerians and that effort will continue.
“Our partnership is also strengthening Nigerian institutions to innovate and lead the region’s public health response.
“We’re driving climate action. As partners in the global coalition. We’re working in collaborating to support the development and use of artificial intelligence for good with 30 other Atlantic countries.
“Because one of the things we’ve learned from these partnerships is that it benefits us as much as any place or any company that we’re investing in,” he said.
GAZA: TWO-STATE SOLUTION
Nigeria has reiterated its stance on the two-state solution to the crisis between the Palestinians and Israel.
Minister of Foreign Affair, Yusuf Tuggar, said this while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of bilateral talks with U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said Nigeria would, however, continue to stand on issues of common interest with development partners in resolving the crisis in the MiddleEast states.
“So, one thing we have in common, a common denominator, between the US and Nigeria, it’s the fact that we both agree that the way forward is a two-state solution.
“I think that’s what helps. Having said that, of course, each country behaves with regards to its foreign policy with the influence of domestic politics and domestic influences.
“So, it’s not surprising that Nigeria of course, has been very expressive. They feel proportionality of violence, these linear approach in Gaza.
“This is why I was part of over a seven member committee of foreign ministers that pointed out to world capitals, calling for cessation of fire.
“So, that remains with focus on the commonalities, not on the differences,” he said.
Responding, Blinken said America would continue to move for strategies toward a lasting solution to the crisis, adding that measures must be taken to have lasting peace.
Blinken was in Nigeria on an African nations tour to strengthen bilateral relations with focus on security, economy and humanitarian concerns.
Blinken said: “With regards to Gaza, very clear, our opposition to of course displacements of people. Whether there needs to be and it’s appropriate to have transitional arrangements, as Israel reduces the intensity of its military operations.
“And ultimately raised them to a conclusion in order to have assurance of security, to make sure that Oct. 7 never happens again.”
