President Bola Tinubu received the letters of credence from Ambassadors of Egypt, Greece, and Pakistan newly appointed to Nigeria in a ceremony held in Abuja on Friday.
This colorful event allowed the President to reaffirm Nigeria’s significant role as a pillar of peace in Africa, emphasizing the nation’s continuous efforts to maintain stability across the continent.
Starting with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Ahmed, Tinubu highlighted both countries’ dedication to promoting global peace and stability through collaborative efforts in international organizations like the United Nations.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1961, Nigeria and Egypt have worked together on various international priorities, such as enhancing regional peace, security, and stability.
The discussion also delved into the developments in the Sahel and Sudan regions.
Tinubu, acknowledging Egypt’s contributions to brokering a truce in the Gaza crisis, stressed the importance of further efforts towards regional stability, stating, “Enhancing stability in the region is crucial.”
The Egyptian Ambassador conveyed President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s eagerness to strengthen economic ties with Nigeria, emphasizing Egypt’s interest in boosting trade and investments between the two nations.
Discussing with Major-General Sohail Ahmed Khan (retired), the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Tinubu praised the Ambassador’s military background for facilitating valuable exchanges of ideas to enhance security and defense cooperation.
He emphasized the necessity of global cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism, stating, “Our collaboration and exchange of ideas in these areas must be strengthened.”
Tinubu also highlighted the demographic similarities between Pakistan and Nigeria, expressing the need to elevate the relationship to new levels.
In a separate meeting with Ambassador Athanasios Kotsionis of Greece, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to an open-door policy promoting collaboration and progress for mutual benefit.
He reassured the Greece Ambassador of Nigeria’s dedication to fostering bilateral relations and cooperation to address common challenges.
Tinubu underlined the significance of strengthening ties between Nigeria and Greece, especially in promoting democracy and addressing economic disparities between Africa and Europe.
The President expressed optimism for improved relations between the countries, emphasizing Nigeria’s role as a stabilizing force on the continent.
Ambassador Kotsionis outlined Greece’s initiatives to finalize agreements with Nigeria in various sectors such as tourism, technology, and maritime, expressing readiness to sign agreements once they are ready.