President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday called for improved economic relations to deepen bilateral ties with Argentina and Sri Lanka.
The President spoke in Abuja when he received letters of credence from the new Ambassador of Argentina to Nigeria, Mr. Gustavo Alejandro Dzugala, and the new High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Nigeria, Mr. Panagoda Don Prince Solomon Anura Liyanage.
Jonathan met the envoys on different separate occurrance at the State House.
The President noted that while Nigeria had good diplomatic ties with the countries, the economic relations needed to be strengthened.
"The economic linkages are weak and we must do everything necessary to boost economic ties," he said.
Dzugala said Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was seeking improved relations with Nigeria and had approved the building of a permanent embassy in Abuja to show the commitment.
He said a high-level trade delegation from Argentina would soon visit Nigeria.
During his meeting with Liyanage, the President expressed appreciation to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for promising to support Nigeria's quest for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
Liyanage said the President of Sri Lanka looked forward to welcoming Dr Jonathan at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be hosted by Sri Lanka in November.
