India, Nigeria sign four pacts to forge closer ties

The two countries came out with an ambitious `Abuja Declaration'' that enunciates an all-embracing vision of India-Nigeria strategic relationship with special emphasis on closer energy partnership.

The agreements followed talks prime minister Manmohan Singh held with Nigerian president Umaru Yar`Adua on a wide spectrum of bilateral and global issues, including energy security, intensification of bilateral trade, UN reforms, WTO trade talks and terrorism.

"Taking into account the commonalities and complementarities between the two countries, it was agreed to establish a strategic partnership between India and Nigeria that would cover bilateral economic, political, trade, security, cultural, education, science and technology and international dimensions," the Abuja Declaration said.

A protocol on foreign office consultations and another MoU on defence cooperation was also signed.