President Muhammadu Buhari has asked United States to reconsider
\nrelocating US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to
\nAfrica, so it can support Nigeria in tackling the insecurity challenges
\nfacing the country.<\/p>\n
The President stated this on Tuesday during a virtual meeting with the
\nUS Secretary of State, Mr. Anthony Blinken.<\/p>\n
President Buhari said AFRICOM, which partners with countries to counter
\ntransnational threats, should be relocated to Africa to strengthen
\nongoing efforts to check the security situation, with likely effect on
\nother nations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe security challenges in Nigeria remain of great concern to us and
\nimpacted more negatively, by existing complex negative pressures in the
\nSahel, Central, and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her security forces
\nremain resolutely committed to containing them and addressing their root
\ncauses. The support of important and strategic partners like the United
\nStates cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will
\naffect all nations hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and
\ncollaboration of all nations to overcome these challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in
\nWest and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel,
\nweighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United
\nStates to consider re-locating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart,
\nGermany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation,\u2019\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n
President\u00a0 Buhari said Nigeria will enhance collaborations in all forms,
\nwith friends and strategic partners, to work together for greater
\nsecurity for all, which remain the most significant condition for
\novercoming the existential challenges.<\/p>\n
He congratulated Blinken on his appointment by President Joe Biden and
\ncommended the United States for the decision to repeal the immigration
\nrestriction known as the \u201cMuslim ban\u2019\u2019, re-joining the World Health
\nOrganization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change.<\/p>\n
\u201cNigeria attaches great importance to its relations with the United
\nStates. Let me in this connection express appreciation to President Joe
\nBiden for his welcome and reaching decision to repeal the Immigration
\nrestriction known as the \u2018Muslim ban\u2019 on travel and visas for citizens
\npredominantly from Muslim Nations and African Countries, including
\nNigeria.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also wish to congratulate the United States for re-joining the World
\nHealth Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The
\nleadership of the United States in these two organizations is crucial
\nfor the international community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis action is a demonstration of the United States commitment in
\nchampioning and supporting international organizations with the aim to
\nbuild a better world for all,\u2019\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n
The President noted that Nigeria remains resolute in her commitment to
\nsupporting global efforts as enshrined in the Paris Agreement on Climate
\nChange, which seeks to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas
\nemissions.<\/p>\n
According to him, the convening of the Climate Change Summit last week
\nby President Biden was a strong indication of the renewed interest of
\nthe United States in the Paris Agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to extend our goodwill message to President Joe Biden and
\nhis Administration. May I also thank you for initiating this meeting,
\nwhich I am confident, given your background and current position, you
\nwill use to promote the existing bilateral relations between our two
\ncountries,\u2019\u2019 the President said.<\/p>\n
The Secretary of State in his response said he was pleased to make
\nNigeria part of his \u201cfirst virtual visit to Africa,\u201d noting that Nigeria
\nand the United States of America, share a lot in bilateral issues.<\/p>\n
He added that he would be delighted to build on the foundation that was
\nlaid between the two countries over 60 years ago, disclosing that areas
\nof discussion with Nigeria would include \u201chow to build our economies
\nback after the COVID-19 pandemic, security for vulnerable communities,
\nand climate issues.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked United States to reconsider relocating US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, so it can support Nigeria in tackling the insecurity challenges facing…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":80067,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-80066","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-exclusive"],"yoast_head":"\n