VP Márquez’s Visit Signals New Era of Nigeria-Colombia Ties – Shettima

The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has stated that the visit by his Colombian counterpart, Mrs. Francia Márquez, to Nigeria, along with the bilateral engagements, will serve as a gateway to a new chapter for both countries

The Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, accompanied by her spouse, Mr. Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró, arrived in Abuja on Saturday for a three-day official visit, joined by cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and leaders from the business sector, all set to engage their Nigerian counterparts in discussions on key areas aimed at strengthening ties between both nations.

Speaking on Sunday evening during a gala dinner in honour of the Colombian Vice President’s visit at the Presidential Villa, Senator Shettima, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, expressed that Mrs. Márquez’s presence in Nigeria marked a new dawn.

He stated that the visit is evidence that Nigeria and Colombia are on the brink of entering an era of fraternal union that would foster “deeper political cooperation, bolder economic ventures, and richer people-to-people exchanges.

VP Shettima conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the people of Nigeria to the visitors, emphasising that the shared interest in the destinies of both nations has brought them to this moment of bilateral engagement

He remarked: “This is why this historic visit and tomorrow’s engagements will be the gateway to a new chapter. More than ever, Nigeria is inspired to plant the seeds of trust, nurture them with dialogue, and cultivate them into fruits of prosperity that our children and grandchildren shall one day reap.

“For fifty-one years, Nigeria and Colombia have journeyed side by side. We are united not only by diplomatic ties but also by the deeper call of shared humanity.

“We have observed each other across oceans, communicated through third countries, and yet our hearts have always known that the distance between us is merely geographical.”

The Nigerian Vice President raised a toast to “the greater ties between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Colombia,” hoping that this “historic visit would yield the fruits” that both countries earnestly desire.

In her remarks, the Colombian Vice President, Mrs. Márquez, described her visit to Nigeria as strategic and historic, emphasising the shared heritage and values between Colombia and Nigeria.

She expressed that, as a woman of African descent, her visit aims to enhance relations in the areas of social justice, peace, tourism, health, culture, and education, among others.

Mrs. Márquez promised that her country would leverage its position in South America to enhance trade relations between the continent and Africa, as well as improve diplomatic ties between both nations.

She also conveyed the condolences of the President of Colombia to the government and people of Nigeria over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, noted that the gala dinner was held to celebrate the homecoming of the Colombian Vice President and her delegation to Nigeria, with the aim of rekindling the longstanding friendship and partnership between both countries.

He outlined the unique values and potentials shared by Nigeria and Colombia, asserting that if fully harnessed, they could positively impact key sectors of both nations’ economies.

Senator Hadejia added that the gala night provided an opportunity to celebrate the richness of the cultures of both countries in diverse ways, while underscoring that diplomacy between the nations extends beyond policy to embrace cultural exchange in arts, music, and unique cuisines.

The gala was attended by ministers and senior government officials from both Nigeria and Colombia.