R-L. President Muhammadu Buhari, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Paola Gentiloni Silveri and Minister of State Interior, Mr Dott. D. Manzione and Former Italian Ambassador to Brazil, Amb Raffaele Trombetta during an audience at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE/STATE HOUSE. AUG 4 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for more intensive trade and economic engagement between Nigeria and Italy.

Speaking Thursday during a courtesy call by Mr. Paolo Gentiloni, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at the State House, Abuja, President Buhari described the connection between Nigeria and Italy as very strong.  He urged, however, that efforts should be made to make it stronger and more secure.

President Buhari commended the resilience of Italian businesses in Nigeria and expressed happiness that new businesses were in line to be set up in the country.

He also commended Italian support for government in tackling the humanitarian situation in the Northeast and the training they are giving to Nigerian policemen.

Mr. Gentiloni, who was accompanied by the Italian Minister of State for Interior, Mr. Domenico Manzione, announced his government’s 10m dollars humanitarian assistance to the Lake Chad region countries in addition to what they are already doing. This, he said is within the framework of the European Union.

He said that the visit of the business group on his delegation was a fulfillment of the promise made by Mr. Matteo Renzi, the Italian Prime Minister, during his visit in February, to strengthen relations with Nigeria politically and economically.