THE France Embassy in Nigeria reaffirmed the country’s commitment to ensure improved relations between the two countries.

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jérôme Pasquier, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

While the ambassador said that France and Nigeria have so many things to do together, he added that his country would like to have a closer friendship with Nigeria.

Pasquier said his country had organised activities to commemorate this year’s International Francophone Week in Nigeria to strengthen the ties.

The week is scheduled to start from March 18 to 23, on the theme: “French Language, Connecting for Action” to mark this year’s International Francophone Day, celebrated globally on March 20.

“We really will like more students to come to France; we are very active in promoting knowledge of French Language studies traditionally in Nigeria.

“Observably, students when thinking of where to go abroad often think about U.K., U.S., mostly because of language, but there is a need for them to have a rethink.

“We have to convince them, there are many good universities in France and it is not difficult to learn French Language and even study there,” Pasquier said.

Pasquier said Nigeria and France would partner in such areas as climate change, education and fight against terrorism.

“We want to work on key issues, such as climate change, which is a very serious issue for Nigeria; France is very committed to it, which is one area we can work together.

“Notably, one special issue for both of us fights against terrorism, you have victims of terrorism in Nigeria. We also have in France.

“So, if there is any field we can work together, exchange information and experiences, it is in fights against terrorism, we cannot win the fight alone, we have to really work together.”

The ambassador commended the ability by some Nigerians who speak the French Language to have contributed to the growth in trade relations between the two countries.

NAN