The Presidency yesterday dismissed claims that the government of Qatar snubbed President Bola Tinubu on his upcoming state visit to the country.
This followed a leaked diplomatic correspondence between the Embassy of Qatar in Abuja and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Tinubu’s visit from March 2 to 3, 2024.
The leaked memo outlined plans for a business and investment forum to be held alongside Tinubu’s trip rather than an official state reception.
However, the Presidency insisted that the state visit would proceed as planned at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
In a statement yesterday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the visit aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties between Nigeria and Qatar.
Onanuga stressed that the leaked memo only concerned a private sector forum being organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and Qatar’s Chambers of Commerce.
According to him, this forum is separate and tangential to the high-level state visit during which Tinubu will hold talks with the Qatari leadership.
He said “we are aware of a leaked diplomatic correspondence between the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja and our Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Qatar between 2 and 3 March, 2024.
“The leaked diplomatic paper by mischief makers about an investment forum is not in any way a snub on President Tinubu by the Qatari government. Onanuga noted that both Tinubu and the Qatari Emir remain committed to maintaining the warm relations between their countries.
A statement issued yesterday by spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, confirmed the visit, adding that both countries enjoy excellent relations.
The ministry said it was aware of the circulation in the media of diplomatic correspondence and wishes to confirm that it will not comment on leaks.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms the forthcoming visit by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the State of Qatar on 2-3 March, as scheduled. The visit will include bilateral discussions at the highest level across a full range of strategic, diplomatic and economic issues,’’ the statement said.
According to Omayuli, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the State of Qatar have a long history of friendship and close bilateral relations. The forthcoming visit to Doha by HE President Tinubu will help build on this important relationship.”
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