U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken on Monday spoke with Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, outlining “a holistic approach to the U.S.-Nigeria partnership based on our shared values of democracy, respect for human rights, and robust people-to-people relations.”
Also highlighting the importance that the United States places on its relationship with Nigeria, Secretary Blinken, in a statement by State Department Spokesperson, Ned Price, also acknowledged “the threats that violent extremists pose to Nigerian and regional security.
He therefore welcomed President Buhari’s recent appointment of new Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs “to bring new approaches to combat terrorism in the Northeast and provide national security throughout the country.”
Secretary Blinken referenced President Biden’s revocation of immigrant visa restrictions on Nigeria as affirmation of the close ties between Americans and Nigerians.
Secretary Blinken reiterated U.S. support for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as the new Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).