Jonathan meets Obama, urges global concensus against terrorism

President Goodluck Jonathan

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President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday held talks with United States President Barack Obama in New York ahead of the 68th session of the United Nations.

Jonathan, at the talks, called for a stronger global consensus and determination to end the scourge of terrorism as quickly as possible.

A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, disclosed that Jonathan and Obama condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Nairobi, Kenya.

Jonathan said unless the international community unites and deploys its enormous resources to eradicate terrorism, it would continue to be embarrassed by outrages such as the heinous attack on defenceless shoppers in Nairobi.

He expressed appreciation for the support and assistance Nigeria had been receiving from the US in the fight against domestic terrorism.

Jonathan, however,    added that Nigeria would welcome more bilateral collaboration in the campaign.

The President also said that his administration intends to strengthen Nigeria’s relations with the US in the areas of trade and economic development.

In the same vein, Jonathan assured Obama of his commitment to the continuous strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral processes and the country’s democratic institutions.

He also applauded Obama’s Power Africa and Youth Leadership Initiatives, noting that both schemes would complement aspects of his administration’s agenda for national transformation.

Obama had while welcoming Jonathan to the meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, described Nigeria as a critical partner of the US in Africa.

He assured Jonathan that the US would continue to cooperate with Nigeria in all possible areas, including the war against domestic and global terrorism.

Jonathan’s delegation to the meeting with Obama included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Adebowale Adefuye, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke, and the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo.

The US Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry and Obama’s National Security Adviser, Ms. Susan Rice, were also present at the talks.