Senate President Bukola Saraki
By Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja
The leader of Saudi Arabia’s delegation to Nigeria, Dr. Khalid Abdullahi Al Saud, yesterday said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regretted the loss of lives during the last hajj exercise in Mecca, adding that the kingdom would guard against its repeat in future hajj.
Al Saud who expressed the regret during his visit to Senate President Bukola Saraki in Abuja, also condemned in strong terms the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria.
While promising that of Saudi Arabia would work relentlessly to avoid a future occurrence of the ugly incident which claimed hundreds of lives at this year’s pilgrimage, he observed that both countries were facing the challenge of terrorism.
He pledged the readiness of the Saudi Arabian Kingdom to collaborate with Nigeria in the battle to curb the menace of insurgency.
He, however, commended the role Nigeria plays at the continental level while assuring the Nigerian government of the commitment of Saudi Arabia towards a greater Nigeria.
Responding, Saraki said the visit by the Saudi Arabia Advisory Council was timely in view of the loss suffered by Nigeria during the last hajj exercise. “The timing of your visit could not have been more appropriate and also very useful. It shows the great concern and respect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has for the people and government of Nigeria,” he said.
The Senate President further urged the government of Saudi Arabia to improve on travelling procedures between the two countries especially for those who embark on holy pilgrimage for both the lesser hajj and the hajj, saying Nigeria should be able to fly directly to Saudi Arabia without unnecessary impediments.
Saraki said since Nigeria and Saudi Arabia shared similar challenges, especially terrorism and economic problems, there should be co-operation between the two countries at the highest levels.
According to him, both countries should exchange ideas, intelligence and technical expertise meant to solve identified problems.
Saraki said: “We are both at this moment, going through the unfortunate issue of terrorism as it is affecting us. I believe that it is time we must work very closely together. We can do more with collaboration. I believe in what we are doing now. We need to work together to fight terrorists who have besieged our countries. It is my view that terrorism in one part of the world is terrorism in every part of the world.”
On the peace mission of the Saudi Arabia in Syria, Palestine and other parts of the world, the Senate President commended the efforts made so far and reminded his guests about Nigeria’s quest for support and commitment to end insurgency and other social vices militating against the peace and progress of the country.
According to him, “I believe in the concern the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is showing toward what is happening in Syria and Yemen. This should also be extended to what is happening in North-eastern part of Nigeria,” Saraki said.
He assured the Saudi Arabian delegation of the continued support of the National Assembly especially the Senate in strengthening the bond that exists between the two countries.
He said: “You can be rest assured of the support of those of us in the National Assembly, the Senate and the House o
No comments:
Post a Comment