By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has said it is ready to partner with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, in key important areas such as green city development, security, economy, as well as other areas of mutual benefits.
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al- Balawi made this known when he paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike in Abuja on Tuesday.
The ambassador said he looks forward to strengthening relationships with the FCT Administration and exchange experience on developing a green city.
Al- Balawi praises the efforts of Wike and by extension President Bola Tinubu administration for building what he described as “beautiful green city”.
He also stressed the need to strengthen the relationship between the FCT and Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia and other big cities in the country.
Responding, Wike noted the robust relationship between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, adding that the FCT would leverage on the relationship for the benefit of the territory.
“We will be happy and willing to visit Riyadh and other cities in Saudi Arabia to find areas of common interest and collaborate for mutual benefits.
“Saudi Arabia is a very important state in the Gulf Region with a very rich history and robust relationship with Nigeria.
“We will want to capitalise on the good relationship with Nigeria to see how Riyadh and FCT will cooperate and learn from each other.
The Minister commended Al-Balawi for the accolade on the ongoing transformation in the FCT, attributing the development to Tinubu’s political will.
He explained the Tinubu administration has transformed the FCT to a modern city that could compete with any city in the world.
“We have not gotten to where we want to be yet, but the Tinubu administration is committed and has what it takes to take the capital city to the global stage,” Wike said.
