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New Consul-General of the United States (U.S.) Consulate in Lagos, Ms. Claire Pierangelo yesterday promised to collaborate with the Lagos State government on areas of mutual interest.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Pierangelo said the visit was to strengthen working relationship with the state government, since Lagos has been a long-standing partner.
She said the visit was first official call on any Nigerian public officer since she arrived in Nigeria.
The new envoy assumed duty on May 29, 2019 succeeding John F. Bray as Consul-General.
“I am here today on a visit to a friend of the U.S. government and our strategic development partner in Africa. We have had good working relationship and we believe this could be further strengthened for greater impacts on areas of collaborations.
“I am delighted to meet the Lagos State Governor with whom I started work on the same day. Maintaining a cordial relationship with Lagos government is critical to the success of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.
“ In the coming days, we will be sharing our plans on how to strengthen our shared partnership for the future.”
Pierangelo mulled avenue for cooperation with Lagos government in education, health and security, stressing American government’s commitment to deepen bilateral relationship with Nigeria through “active collaborations”.
She also said the Consulate sought the support of the Lagos Government in enabling ease of moving its office to a new site from Victoria Island to the Lagos Atlantic City.
She noted that the Consulate decided to move its office to a new site to allow space for more bilateral engagements.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos and the U.S. Consulate shared a long history of collaborations that have been beneficial to both parties.
He said his administration would welcome any plan that would further improve the partnership between the state and the American government.
“We have a long history of partnership with the American government, which has resulted in positive growth for the state. I believe there is a lot of collaboration we can work on together for our benefit,” he added.