Nigeria, Palestine Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Nigeria and the State of Palestine have agreed to deepen bilateral relations and strengthen consular cooperation following a high-level diplomatic meeting held at the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Wednesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, was said to have received the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Nigeria, His Excellency Muhannad Halmouri, who was on a courtesy visit to the ministry.

According to the statement, the meeting formed part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at “strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the State of Palestine,” while also providing an opportunity to review “consular, humanitarian, and regional issues of mutual concern.”

During the meeting, the Palestinian Ambassador conveyed “warm greetings from the Palestinian leadership” and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s “longstanding and principled support for the Palestinian cause.”

He recalled the historic nature of Nigeria–Palestine relations, noting that the ties date back to “the era of President Yasser Arafat,” and commended Nigeria’s “consistent moral and diplomatic stance at international fora.”

The press release said discussions also focused significantly on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories. Ambassador Halmouri briefed the Nigerian Foreign Minister on “the prevailing conditions, including ongoing security challenges and constraints on humanitarian access.”

While acknowledging the difficulties on ground, the Palestinian envoy expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s “constructive position and support for efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully,” noting that such efforts are “grounded in international law and ethical considerations.”

Looking ahead, the statement disclosed that the Palestinian Government has expressed interest in a possible high-level visit to Nigeria. According to the release, the Ambassador conveyed “the Palestinian Government’s interest in a prospective visit by the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Nigeria.”

It added that such a visit could involve “high-level engagements and possible interaction with Nigeria’s National Assembly, in line with established diplomatic protocols.”

In his response, Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring support for the Palestinian people, reiterating the country’s commitment to “justice, peaceful coexistence, and respect for international law.” He assured the Palestinian Ambassador that issues raised during the meeting would be examined through “appropriate diplomatic and administrative channels, in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy principles.”

The meeting, the ministry said, concluded “in a cordial atmosphere,” reflecting the “warm and enduring relations between Nigeria and the State of Palestine,” as well as a shared commitment to sustained dialogue and cooperation.