'We'll destroy terrorism', says Italian premier in Nigeria

(AGI) Abuja, Feb 1 - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi assured Nigeria of Italy's closeness in their fight against Boko Haram and especially in the struggle against terrorism while in Abuja, his first stop on a short tour of Africa. He said: "Terrorists know only too well that the international community has committed to destroy them and we are going to wipe them out, with determination, because our values, our ideas, our ideals are too great to be overshadowed." Mr Renzi added that the fight against terrorism is one of the reasons why the international community must consider Africa a "priority." He went on: "We have so many problems in the Middle East, in Asia and also in Europe. We have had first-hand experience with the terrifying attacks in Paris, Brussels and Copenhagen, but I think concentrating on this part of the planet is a top priority. Italy will continue, with great determination, to invest in our friendship with the Nigerian government." The Italian prime minister also recalled the agreement on migration signed between Italy and Nigeria, aimed at the two countries working together to train police forces and to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies. Mr Renzi said he judges the possibility of Italian investments in Nigeria very positively, particularly "in energy, oil & gas, especially with Eni, but also in infrastructures and logistics," he said. He added: "For me an absolute priority is agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises, which are a very important resource for Italy.". .