NIGERIA (Abuja)-The Rederal Government has promised to maintain existing ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This was revealed yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Tahir Umar when he paid courtesy visit to the embassy of Saudi Arabia.

Umar said the visit was according to the directives of the President himself, adding that Saudi Arabia is a very strategic area for Islamic affairs and education.

The aide also described Jonathan as a peace loving person “who is ever ready to do anything within his powers to promote peace in the country.”

“This is the more reason he created the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Islamic Affairs with a view to advising him on such issues,” he said.

According to Umar, the anti-gay law recently signed by the President was a pointer to his commitment to the development of Nigeria.