Jonathan, in talks with Obama, urges global action on terrorism

President Goodluck Jonathan Monday in New York called for a stronger global consensus and determination to end the scourge of terrorism as quickly as possible.

He made the call during discussions with President Barack Obama of the United States ahead of the opening of the 68th session of the United Nations tomorrow,.

President Jonathan said that unless the international community unites and deploys its enormous resources to eradicate terrorism, it will continue to be embarrassed by terrorist outrages such as the heinous attack on defenceless shoppers in Nairobi at the weekend.

Both Obama and Jonathan have strongly condemned the attacks.

President Jonathan expressed his appreciation of the support and assistance Nigeria has been receiving from the United States for its fight against domestic terrorism.

Nigeria’s faces Boko Haram insurgency in the north, Ombatse militancy in the central part and Niger Delta militancy in the oil region.

President Jonathan added, however, that Nigeria will welcome even more bilateral collaboration in the battle against terrorism.

The President said that his administration also looked forward to the further strengthening of Nigeria’s relations with the United States in the areas of trade and economic development.

President Jonathan also gave assurances on his commitment to the continuous strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral processes and the country’s democratic institutions.

President Jonathan applauded President Obama’s Power Africa and Youth Leadership Initiatives saying that both initiatives would complement aspects of his administration’s agenda for national transformation.

President Obama had while welcoming President Jonathan to the meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, described Nigeria as a critical partner of the United States in Africa.

He assured President Jonathan that the United States will continue to cooperate with Nigeria in all possible areas, including the war against domestic and global terrorism.

President Jonathan was accompanied to the talks by the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Adebowale Adefuye, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke, and the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo.

The United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry and President Obama’s National Security Adviser, Ms. Susan Rice were also present at the talks.