Italy considers Nigeria major economic partner in Africa – Envoy

Italy considers Nigeria one of its major economic and security partners in Africa, according to Italy’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stefano De Leo.

De Leo said as such, Italy would seek to work closely with Nigeria’s in-coming administration to improve the level of bilateral and multilateral cooperation involving the two countries.

The ambassador disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

For both nations, uncertainty, crime rate, violence, security issues are top on the agenda; we need to find common solutions. We need inclusive solutions and must discuss the solutions in a main international fora.

“We are members of the European Union. In the United Nations system, Nigeria is increasingly playing a strategic role, especially when it comes to economy and security.

“On May 29, a new administration will come in. From that moment, we have to find ways to improve and increase our cooperation in many fields.

“We shall look at where Nigeria is strategic, starting from oil and gas. We shall also go into other economic issues and also issues that are concerning the global security balance.

“So, Nigeria is a major player without whom we cannot decide worldwide balances in security issues,” he said.