President Bola Tinubu has called for the strengthening of economic ties between Nigeria and its partner nations. The President made this call on Thursday during a ceremony at the Presidential Villa where he received Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of Portugal, Vietnam, and Kuwait.
Strengthening Ties with Portugal
In his meeting with Jorge Adao Martins Dos Santos, the Ambassador of Portugal, President Tinubu highlighted the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Portugal, especially in trade, culture, and the oil and gas sectors. He expressed optimism about further improving bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of localized production in mineral deposits. The President assured the Ambassador of an open-door policy, facilitating communication through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Portuguese Ambassador reiterated his country’s interest in Nigeria, particularly in gas trade, which has been ongoing since before the Russia-Ukraine war. He also mentioned Portuguese involvement in constructing a rail line from Kano to Niger Republic, set to be completed in two years.
Economic Collaboration with Vietnam
President Tinubu expressed enthusiasm for enhancing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector through Vietnam’s technological expertise. He acknowledged the shared values and diversity between the two nations and anticipated more robust collaboration, especially in technology.
Vietnamese Ambassador Biu Quoc Hung expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future under President Tinubu’s leadership and pledged to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
In his meeting with Salim Khalifa Mohammed Almuzayen, the Ambassador of Kuwait, President Tinubu extended his gratitude for the longstanding relations between Nigeria and Kuwait. He highlighted the commitment of both nations to their people’s development and emphasized an open-door policy for ongoing diplomatic engagement.
The Kuwaiti Ambassador assured his dedication to bolstering bilateral ties for mutual benefit, reinforcing the strong relationship between the two nations.
President Tinubu’s engagements with the ambassadors reflect Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing economic value through strategic international partnerships. The discussions covered various sectors, including trade, energy, technology, and infrastructure, showcasing Nigeria’s proactive approach to fostering global economic collaborations.
