President Bola Tinubu, speaking in Abuja, yesterday, said the cordial relations enjoyed over many years between Nigeria, the Republic of France, the People’s Republic of China, and the Kingdom of Denmark should translate into mutual economic benefits for citizens, particularly in critical areas of education, health, and infrastructure.
The President assured of expanding economic diplomacy at a ceremony at the State House to receive Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of the French Republic, Marc Fonbaustier, the Kingdom of Denmark, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and the People’s Republic of China, Yu Dunhai.
President Tinubu, who is scheduled to pay a state visit to France, told the French Ambassador that citizens should feel his friendship with Emmanuel Macron and the diplomatic ties between both countries.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, he urged French support for the country’s ongoing reforms, which seek to strengthen institutions and improve citizens’ livelihoods.
“Macron has been a good friend for many years. I look forward to the State Visit in Paris to solidify our relationship and ensure that our citizens also share in diplomacy gains between countries.
“I am happy you are not a stranger to Africa from your background. Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, and the headquarters of ECOWAS is based here. We have an open-door policy and want your investors to take advantage of it.
“Our collaboration is essential for Africa, ECOWAS and Nigeria. You can always contact the President through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Chief of Staff,’’ the President added.
The French Ambassador affirmed Nigerian culture’s warmth, hospitality, and diversity and assured that he would make every effort to enhance the partnership for shared economic prosperity.
“Mr President, I must praise and express my admiration for your achievements. You have taken a bold step in developing the country, and I encourage you to stand and do the right thing for Nigeria,” Fonbaustier stated.
In a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, President Tinubu thanked the President of the Republic of China, Xi Jinping, for hosting him during his state visit to Beijing and participating in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
He urged the envoy to work hard with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to translate the agreements signed into reality.
“I enjoyed my visit to China, and I look forward to activating all the agreements we signed, especially on trade and economic progress for both countries.
The President said Nigeria will continue to leverage and build on the Chinese experience, especially in trade and infrastructure development.
The Chinese Ambassador thanked the President for honouring the invitation to visit in September.
“Your visit was a great success, and your presence resonated very well. It was a milestone in our bilateral relations. It was important for both countries to agree to elevate our bilateral ties. We will continue to explore development paths to suit Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have enjoyed more than half a century of relations. We respect each other and treat each other with equity, and our relations have grown from strength to strength, particularly in economics and trade,’’ the Chinese ambassador said.
Yu said he had already started some programmes with some states to improve rice and yam yields, a mobile medical outreach to the less privileged, and educational exchange programmes to enhance the country’s vocational and technical skills.
“Mr President, you are a reformer, and our people respect reformers. Like you said in your Independence Day speech, Nigerians are tenacious and resilient,’’ he added.
President Tinubu welcomed the Ambassador of Denmark, adding that he looked forward to improved relations.
“Your country is known for promoting democratic values and human rights, and we are ready to collaborate with you. We have seen your engagements in the energy sector in your country and worldwide and would like to benefit from that.
“We are interested in education, Medicare and areas that directly impact the livelihood of our people. We have seen the progress of the APM terminal in Lagos, a company from the kingdom of Denmark. Nigeria is good for business, and we want to continue to promote that aspect,’’ the President said.
The Danish ambassador said his country has developed a new strategy to improve relations with Africa. Nigeria, considering its size and influence on the continent, will play a central role in its implementation.
“We recognise your influence globally and regionally, and we will continue to cooperate and expand relations with Nigeria, especially in areas of trade and economy,’’ the ambassador added.
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