Nigeria, Germany to collaborate against drug counterfeiting
The
Federal Government and Germany, have agreed to collaborate to eradicate
fake drugs with Nigeria promising to set up a task force to combat drug
counterfeiting.
This was one of the highlights of the second plenary session of the Working Group of the Nigeria-German Binational Commission, which held on Tuesday in Berlin, Germany.
The Nigerian delegation to the session was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali, while the German delegation was led by Foreign Minister of Germany, Dr. Frank Steinmeter, according to a statement from the Joint Commission Trade & Investment Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday in Abuja.
It said Nigeria and Germany had agreed to resolve issues relating to Withholding tax before the end of December, 2014, adding that discussions on Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement would hold from first quarter of 2015.
The statement, said Germany would partner with Industrial Training Fund and National Directorate of Employment on skills acquisition, noting that Nigeria would participate at sector-specific trade fairs in Germany for the acquisition of expertise and equipment for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
The session also agreed to set up an innovation centre for food sector and Agriculture to be established under the ‘One World Without Hunger Initiative’ of the German Government.
Both countries agreed to collaborate on the promotion of good governance, democratic development, including the 2015 general elections, National dialogue Conference and Human Rights, cooperation with the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces; Crisis Management and Border Management.
They also agreed to continue the high level contacts between the military and security establishments of both countries, as well as training for members of the Armed Forces by their German counterparts.
The statement said, “Regional security featured prominently during the talks; Efforts by both countries to manage civil, social and health security threats in Nigeria and the West African sub-region were highlighted.
“Germany and Nigeria have resolved to further cooperate in these areas towards ensuring sustainable peace, security and development in Nigeria and the sub-region, which will equally impact global security.”
The Bi-national commission further agreed the German Academic Exchange Services emphasizing on vocational skills for graduates as well as joint scholarship schemes would be set up and the two countries affirmed their desire to collaborate on International films production, against the backdrop of the growth and impact of the Nigerian Film Industry.
The third Plenary Session is expected to hold in Nigeria in 2015, at a mutually agreed date that would be communicated through the Diplomatic channel.
THE PUNCH
This was one of the highlights of the second plenary session of the Working Group of the Nigeria-German Binational Commission, which held on Tuesday in Berlin, Germany.
The Nigerian delegation to the session was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali, while the German delegation was led by Foreign Minister of Germany, Dr. Frank Steinmeter, according to a statement from the Joint Commission Trade & Investment Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday in Abuja.
It said Nigeria and Germany had agreed to resolve issues relating to Withholding tax before the end of December, 2014, adding that discussions on Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement would hold from first quarter of 2015.
The statement, said Germany would partner with Industrial Training Fund and National Directorate of Employment on skills acquisition, noting that Nigeria would participate at sector-specific trade fairs in Germany for the acquisition of expertise and equipment for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
The session also agreed to set up an innovation centre for food sector and Agriculture to be established under the ‘One World Without Hunger Initiative’ of the German Government.
Both countries agreed to collaborate on the promotion of good governance, democratic development, including the 2015 general elections, National dialogue Conference and Human Rights, cooperation with the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces; Crisis Management and Border Management.
They also agreed to continue the high level contacts between the military and security establishments of both countries, as well as training for members of the Armed Forces by their German counterparts.
The statement said, “Regional security featured prominently during the talks; Efforts by both countries to manage civil, social and health security threats in Nigeria and the West African sub-region were highlighted.
“Germany and Nigeria have resolved to further cooperate in these areas towards ensuring sustainable peace, security and development in Nigeria and the sub-region, which will equally impact global security.”
The Bi-national commission further agreed the German Academic Exchange Services emphasizing on vocational skills for graduates as well as joint scholarship schemes would be set up and the two countries affirmed their desire to collaborate on International films production, against the backdrop of the growth and impact of the Nigerian Film Industry.
The third Plenary Session is expected to hold in Nigeria in 2015, at a mutually agreed date that would be communicated through the Diplomatic channel.
THE PUNCH
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