Buhari: we’ll reconsider closure of Nigerian Embassy in Sri Lanka

President Muhammadu Buhari has said Nigeria will re-examine the closure of her embassy in Colombo in view of the important relationship the country has with Sri Lanka.

Buhari gave the assurance yesterday during a farewell audience granted the outgoing High Commissioner of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka, Thambirajah Raveenthiran, at the State House in Abuja.

The President explained that financial challenges which the country faced at the time informed the closure of some embassies and consulates during a rationalisation exercise.

He promised that his administration will take another look at that decision as it affected Sri Lanka following the request by Raveenthiran.

A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, wished Raveenthiran success in his future undertakings.

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Raveenthiran said he had spent four of his 30-year career in diplomatic service in Nigeria.

According to him, his time in Nigeria was remarkable in several ways, stressing that he enjoyed the support and cooperation of Nigerians, and was greatly assisted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The outgoing diplomat said his country has a lot to offer Nigeria in counter-terrorism, medical tourism and higher education.

President Buhari also promised that Nigeria will partner further with Ukraine to the benefit of both countries.

He spoke at the State House when he received the outgoing Ambassador of Ukraine, Dr. Valeril Aleksandruk.

Aleksandruk was on a farewell visit after spending over four years in Nigeria.

Ukraine currently collaborates with Nigeria in education, military cooperation, space exploration, and many others.

Aleksandruk said: “There are almost 5,000 Nigerians currently studying in Ukraine. And the number increases every year. Education is a great investment for the future.”

He added that his country also supplies Nigeria military hardware and ammunition, particularly to fight insurgency, even as he said the two agreements have been signed by the countries on space exploration.

“We are ready for new level in bilateral relations,” he submitted.

President Buhari, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, wished him well in further assignments his country would give him.