The Cross River State Government has sued for stronger ties with Equatorial Guinea in maritime and aviation.
The Governor of the state, Professor Ben Ayade made the call when the new Equatorial Guinea Consular-General to Nigeria, Ildel Fonso Ondo Nchama presented his Letter of Credence to him at Government House Calabar the capital of Cross River State, south-south Nigeria.
Governor Ayade said he was happy to “wholeheartedly accept this Letter of Credence and all its associated credentials with joy, pride and honor. I congratulate you and welcome you.”
Ayade expressed conviction that the new Consular-General would be able to discharge his duties.
“It is my strong conviction that the relationship between Equatorial Guinea and Cross River State and indeed Nigeria, will be facilitated. I am excited that there will be bigger commercial activities and there will be stronger bond courtesy of a young, ebullient and dynamic Consular-General.
“It is my hope, therefore that your coming here as the Consular-General of Equatorial Guinea will give us the opportunity to open up the international air cargoes between Calabar and Equatorial Guinea.
“We look forward to meeting with your president very soon to be able to establish the air operating license between Calabar and Malabo. ”
“Hopefully in no distant future, the maritime corridor and the maritime relationship will also be exploited. We believe that there are better opportunities for us to collaborate,” the Governor said.
Earlier, Consul Nchama stated, “it is necessary to have a Consular-General here in Calabar, Cross River State because of the cordial relationship existing between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria.”
Emmanuel Ukoh
