TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says Rishi Sunak, the new British prime minister, is an inspiration to millions of youths across the Commonwealth of Nations.

Sunak was elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party on Monday and will now be named the United Kingdom (UK) prime minister.

He is the first UK prime minister of British-Asian descent and the youngest in modern times.

In a congratulatory statement issued by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari asked Sunak to remember the “unbreakable friendship” between Nigeria and the UK.

He assured Sunak that Nigeria stands with the UK in the fight against terrorism and is committed to addressing the challenge of the global food crisis.

“On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the largest of 21 countries of Africa that are members of the Commonwealth, I welcome incoming British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to office,” Buhari said.

“As the first prime minister of British-Asian descent and the youngest in about 200 years, these milestones will be especially inspiring for young people across our 2.4 billion-population, 56-nation Commonwealth.

“On this important day, we should also remember the enduring partnership and unbreakable friendship between our countries – United Kingdom and Nigeria.

“We stand together in this troubled world against terrorism.

“We are determined to address the world food crisis that is driving up the cost of living for people and families across the globe.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to make our countries and our allies more energy secure.”

Buhari reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to continue partnering with the UK on the challenges of climate change as part of the measures to address desertification.

The president added that the government and people of Nigeria look forward to working with Sunak and the leaders of other Commonwealth nations to boost “the health and wealth of all our people’’.

“We pledge to address climate change that forces millions to leave their homes through desertification and attempt to cross the seas into Europe,” he said.

“And we seek to increase trade and investment within and between Commonwealth countries to boost the health and wealth of all our peoples.

“We seek to deepen our partnership with Britain to achieve these objectives, and more.”

Sunak is coming in as the UK’s third prime minister in two months.

He takes over from Liz Truss who bowed out after 45 days in office.