Receiving the Letter of Credence from the new Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Valerii Vasyliev, at the Presidential Villa in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, Tuesday, President Yar'Adua said 'Ukraine will help us to bring the illegal trade under control.'
The President also noted the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries, and called for investments in Nigeria's vast gas reserves, as well as in the manufacturing of fertilizer.
He welcomed the proposed visit in December of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and the agreements that would be signed during the visit, stating that they would promote bilateral investments and trade.
Ukraine is believed to be a major arms supplier to the militants in Nigeria's restive Niger Delta oil region.
Earlier this year, a Ukrainian cargo plane loaded with arms and ammunition was impounded for several weeks at Nigeria's northern Aminu Kano International Airport.
The plane was released only after the Nigerian authorities had confirmed that the weapons were indeed meant for the government of Equatorial Guinea, rather than the militants as earlier speculated.
Abuja - 18/11/2009
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