The Federal Government has asked for a stay of execution
of those on death row for drug-related offences and financial crimes in
Indonesia, while the two countries explore ways for the exchange of prisoners
and mutual legal assistance.
A 27-point joint communiqué issued at
the end of bilateral talks between President Goodluck Jonathan and his
Indonesian counterpart, President Susilo Yudhoyono, in Abuja Saturday
noted with delight that Nigeria and Indonesia are committed to strengthening
their relations.
The two leaders expressed
satisfaction with the steady growth of friendly relations in the past 48 years
and a commitment to expand in various fields.
They also welcomed the signing of a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking
in narcotics. Nigeria’s president was said to have told his visitor to soft
pedal on the execution of Nigerians on death row in Indonesia pending their
legal mutual agreements.
Some of the areas of cooperation
include agriculture, security, peace keeping, as well as trade and investments.
On his part, the Indonesian president
promised to cooperate with Nigeria in agriculture, trade and investment.
Both presidents agreed that Nigeria
and Indonesia would share best practices and capacity building in the
achievements of the millennium development goals.
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Politics