Nigeria looking forward to start direct air link with Pakistan
Nigeria, the most populous country in West
Africa, is looking to enhance relations with Pakistan through direct air link
between the two countries.
This was indicated by Nigeria’s Minister of
Aviation, Hadi Sirika, during his meetings in Islamabad.
A statement by Special Assistant (Media) to the
minister, James Odaudu, said the Nigerian mission, held talks with Acting
Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Aviation, Hassan Nafir to explore cooperation
in aviation.
They also resolved to revitalize existing
Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
Consequently, officials were directed to review
the pact and come up with a workable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for
early commencement of direct flights.
The agreement would quadruple passenger traffic
from the 7,300 tally of last year.
President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, Ahsan Bakhtawari, while receiving Sirika, said the volume of
bilateral trade valued at $210 million which could see improvement through
promotion of business and establishment of Nigeria-Pakistan Chamber of
Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture and visit of trade delegations.
He submitted that trade between both nations
could only be boosted when a direct flight between both countries exists,
urging Sirika to facilitate that.
During his interaction with Pakistani Minister
of Commerce, Syed Naveed Qamar, Sirika and his host agreed that deliberate
efforts should be made to improve level of trade and air link.
Source: https://guardian.ng/