The Nigerian government called in Abuja Thursday for the cooperation of Spain in the realization of its dream in the current UN reform program.

Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar made the call when receiving visiting Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Bernado Leon Gross in the capital Abuja.

He said the UN reforms would offer the country a unique opportunity to play a better role in African and world affairs.

Nigeria is currently campaigning for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

Atiku called on the Spanish government and people to take advantage of the ongoing economic reforms in the country and invest in the power sector.

He said that Spanish expertise in the power and agricultural sectors would be welcome in the country to boost the already robust economic relations between them.

"One of the constraints in the economic industrialization of Nigeria is the power sector," he said, adding that there was a need to rapidly develop it. "We want the Spanish government to take interest in this area and in agriculture as well," the vice president added.

Citing the good economic relations between the two countries, Atiku said there was a need to improve on the political relations between them.

"Our relationship is unique in terms of economic relations, however, I think we should shore up our political relations," he said, adding "I believe this will enhance more robust relations between our two countries."

Gross, who led a six-man delegation to visit Nigeria, commended the Nigerian government for the giant strides in its economic reforms and its tenacity to uphold human rights.

The past five years had witnessed Nigeria taking the lead in international and African affairs, he said, citing its role in the African Union, New Economic Program for Africa's Development and the Darfur crisis.

Source: Xinhua