Senate president, Bukola Saraki, has called for improved collaborations between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
Saraki made the call during Wednesday proceedings, when the Advisory Council of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majlis Ash Shura, led by Prince Khalid Bin Addullah Al Saud, chair of the Saudi-Nigerian Parliamentarians Friendship Group, paid a courtesy visit to the Senate.
The Senate president led the Senate leadership – Monsurat Sunmonu, Shehu Sani, Gbenga Ashafa, among others, in receiving the guests.
The delegates said they brought good tidings from the leadership of the Majis Ash Shura with profound gratitude for the warm reception so far, stating that the Advisory Council of the Royal Kingdom was visiting the Senate with great love and respect for Nigeria.
The Majlis Ash Shura reiterated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia saw it as a privilege to host Nigerian pilgrims annually.
The Advisory Council also extended its condolence on the unfortunate loss of lives at the 2015 Hajj and the recent bomb blasts in Abuja. The leader of the delegation harped on terrorism being a global issue and the efforts the Kingdom of Saudi was making to quell it.
He also spoke on their continued efforts to end insurrection and terrorism in Yemen, Syria and Palestine, saying “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue to support the Federal Republic of Nigeria in making sure terrorism becomes a thing of the past.”
The Majlis Ash Shura delegation ended speech with hope for improved bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia parliamentarians.
On his part, Saraki made reference to the strong bond Nigeria had with Saudi Arabia, stating that indeed terrorism was confronting both countries.
According to him, he looks forward to improved collaborations with Saudi Arabia beyond pilgrimage to industry and economic developments. Saraki said he was looking forward to direct flights from Jeddah/Mecca in Saudi Arabia to/from Abuja/Lagos in Nigeria.
The Senate president concluded by appreciating the Majlis Ash Shura as the delegation signed the Senate visitors’ register and exchanged gifts.
