President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja called for enhancing the economic value of bilateral relations between Nigeria and partner countries.
The President spoke while receiving the Credentials of the Ambassadors of Portugal, Jorge Adao Martins Dos Santos; of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Biu Quoc Hung; and of the State of Kuwait, Salim Khalifa Mohammed Almuzayen, at the Presidential Villa.
The President expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s long-standing relations with Portugal and shared interest in the areas of trade and culture, as well as partnership in oil and gas, which has translated into gains for both countries.
“It is a pleasure to have you in Nigeria. I am glad that you know Nigeria and its surroundings. I believe that with your presence, our bilateral relations will be further enhanced. I am glad that you are also present in other West African countries.
“I have been informed of your economic interest in Nigeria. We need to work together to achieve more localised production when it comes to mineral deposits. I have an open door policy and you can always reach me through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and my Chief of Staff, the Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila,” the President said.
In his response, the ambassador said that investors from his country have a great interest in Nigeria and that gas trade with that country predates the war between Russia and Ukraine and will continue.
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“I will work on our agreements to improve economic relations. There is no shortage of interest in the areas of development where we can be partners. We are one of the largest buyers of Nigerian gas and remain grateful for the supplies.
“We have long-standing mutual relations in the field of energy. Before the war between Russia and Ukraine, we received gas from Nigeria. Portuguese companies are also responsible for the construction of the railway line from Kano to the Republic of Niger. It will be ready in two years,” said the Portuguese ambassador.
In his meeting with the Vietnamese Ambassador, President Tinubu said Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is poised to benefit from the Asian country’s skills and automation technology.
“Thank you for coming to work in Nigeria. We share a lot with Vietnam in terms of diversity and values.
“We highly value our bilateral agreements with your country, Vietnam, especially in the area of technology. We look forward to adding more value to the partnership with you in terms of development collaboration,” the President said.
In response, the Vietnamese ambassador said: “Under your leadership, I see Nigeria overcoming most of its challenges and taking its place among the happiest people in the world.”
Mr Hung added that he is in the country to strengthen relations and improve economic ties.
In another meeting, President Tinubu thanked the Ambassador of Kuwait for the long-standing good relations his country has with Nigeria and expressed his appreciation to the Emir and the Crown Prince.
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“I am glad that we are pulling strings to enhance the value of our relationship. We are both committed to the development of our peoples and will explore opportunities to establish economic ties. I have an open-door policy, so you can always reach out to me,” the president said.
The Kuwaiti Ambassador assured the President that he would do his best to strengthen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Advisor to the President
(Media and Advertising)
July 18, 2024