ABUJA
France and Germany on Wednesday reiterated support for the Nigerian government in the latter's battle against Boko Haram.
"This is the first time we are travelling together to Nigeria because of its importance," French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius – flanked by German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier – told reporters in Abuja.
"We are here in Nigeria to express our commitment to fighting terrorism and Boko Haram," he added, following a meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Aminu Wali.
Nigeria has battled Boko Haram for the past five years, with thousands killed and millions displaced by the violence, which has been largely limited to the country's volatile northeastern region.
The government, however, announced earlier this month that it had reached a cease-fire with the militant group, brokered by Chad.
The deal reportedly called for the safe return of over 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram from the northeastern town of Chibok over six months ago in exchange for detained militants.
Steinmeier, for his part, said his country was concerned about Nigeria's peace and stability.
He said Germany was providing support for over 10,000 internally displaced persons in the country's restive northeastern region.
The Boko Haram insurgency has displaced at least six million people in the region, according to figures issued recently by parliament.
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