By Ken Afor
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the country’s pivotal role in promoting peace and stability within Africa.
In a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the president met with ambassadors from Egypt, Pakistan, and Greece at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to promoting global peace and stability through collaboration within international organizations like the United Nations.
Receiving a letter of credence from the Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Ahmed, the President noted the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and Egypt since establishing diplomatic ties in 1961. He highlighted their shared commitment to advancing key priorities, including regional peace, security, and stability.
Discussions also centered on the situations in the Sahel region and Sudan. Acknowledging Egypt’s efforts towards a truce in the Gaza crisis, Tinubu stated, “We need to do more. Stability in the region is of paramount importance.”
Ambassador Ahmed conveyed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s willingness to bolster economic ties with Nigeria, expressing interest in increasing trade and investments between the two nations.
“We need to complement each other on investments. Many Egyptian companies are interested in coming to Nigeria to invest,” the Egyptian Ambassador said.
During the meeting with Pakistan’s High Commissioner Major-General Sohail Ahmed Khan (retired), Tinubu described the envoy’s military background as invaluable for expanding security and defense cooperation. He underscored the need for global cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
“We must do more to stop extremists. We need to enhance our collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge in these areas,” Tinubu said, assuring an open-door policy to enhance cooperation across various sectors.
The Pakistani envoy noted demographic similarities between the two countries and expressed a desire to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
Also, in a meeting with Greek Ambassador Athanasios Kotsionis, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to an open-door policy encouraging collaboration and progress. He restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Greece and building bridges of cooperation to address common challenges.
”Nigeria and Greece have good historic ties. We have shared priorities, including promoting democracy, and there is room to expand cooperation.
”The economic situation in Africa and Europe is still very unbalanced. We should build on the opportunities from our challenges and strengthen relations between the two countries.
”What I expect is an improvement in the relationship between both countries, and I look forward to us working on that.
”Our government is about renewed hope. Nigeria will continue to play its role as a stabilizer on the continent,’’ the President said.
Kotsionis outlined Greece’s efforts to finalize agreements with Nigeria in areas such as tourism, scientific exchange, technology, and maritime affairs.
”We are ready to sign the agreements with Nigeria as soon as they are ready. There is a lot to be done between the two countries, and we will need the support of your government. We hope to achieve incredible things in Nigeria during my stay,” the Ambassador said.
