Senate President Godswill Akpabio has received the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Akpabio said they held discussions on Dick’s candidature for the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and strengthening of relations between Nigeria and Australia.
He assured him of Nigeria’s support and acknowledged his experience within the IPU, as well as his commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy.
“I believe his leadership would contribute meaningfully to strengthening the Union and advancing greater cooperation among parliaments across the world,” Akpabio said.
He said Nigeria attaches great importance to the IPU as a platform for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation.
“As African parliamentarians prepare to meet ahead of the election, I look forward to engaging my colleagues on the continent on his candidature,” he said.
Beyond the IPU, Akpabio said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Australia, particularly in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.
He also extended an invitation to the Australian business community to explore opportunities in Nigeria.
“With our population, market and abundant resources, Nigeria remains a destination of immense potential for serious investors,” he said.
“Nigeria and Australia have an opportunity to build a stronger parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific, deepen our bilateral relations and create partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to our people.”
