Abuja (WorldStage Newsonline)-- President Goodluck  Jonathan has said Nigeria would support the efforts for the development of the Pan African Parliament in order to strengthen economic cooperation and democracy in the continent.

The President who spoke when he received  Hon. Bethel Amadi, newly-elected president of the Pan African Parliament, at State House said, “Nigeria will support all efforts to strengthen the Pan African Parliament,” adding that African countries needed to engage more in trade and communication within the continent.

He welcomed the Pan African Parliament’s commitment to improving intra-African trade, in order to create more jobs for the youth and improve lives and expressed appreciation to African leaders who supported Hon. Amadi’s election.

Earlier, the new president of the Pan African Parliament said he would focus on economic development of the continent, especially intra-African trade.

He said “intra-African trade stood at 10 per cent last year; this is too low to positively impact on youth employment.”

Hon. Amadi thanked President Jonathan for supporting his election.

His delegation to State House included Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, Leader of the Nigerian Senate.