The House of Representatives has pledged to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other arms of government to smoothen Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with other countries.
Deputy Speaker of the House Rt.Hon. Benjamin Kalu gave the assurance at the inaugural meeting of the House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations in Abuja.
According to him, the Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations’ role is crucial in shaping the foreign policy goals of the country and is indeed the cornerstone in its diplomatic engagements with parliaments of other nations.
He further stated that the House Committee has a role to play in formation of the foreign policy goals of the Nigerian federation.
The deputy speaker while urging the newly inaugurated committee to try and do something differently said that the members of the House Committee were selected based on experience and tested knowledge.
He said: “Inter Parliamentary Relations is the cornerstone in the diplomatic engagements with other parliaments.
It has a role in forming the foreign policy of Nigeria. It ‘ll contribute significantly to Nigeria’s standing in inter-state relations”.
Also in an opening remark, Chairman of the Committee Hon Mark Udo Esset said the committee would work closely with the states Houses of Assembly as they consistently look upon the National Assembly for leadership and co-operation.
He also hinted that the National Assembly of Nigeria is a proud member of various international parliamentary associations, including but not limited to the inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
Through these affiliations, the committee he said would have the opportunity to engage with parliamentary bodies from around the world, enriching its legislative practices and fostering cooperation on global issues.
