President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening international partnerships with emerging economies, such as Colombia.
He stated this during a meeting with Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez on Monday at the State House, Abuja.
Mr Tinubu said shifting global dynamics and economic volatility demand new strategic alliances for mutual prosperity.
He assured the delegation of senior government and business officials from the South American country that Nigeria will replicate the agreements signed with Brazil on aviation and consular issues with Colombia.
The president stated that the conclusions of all the bilateral meetings and the agreements signed, under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima, will receive speedy attention.
“I believe the vice president and his team have done the job. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on. Particularly for Colombia, the agreement we entered with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate that,” he said.
Mr Tinubu urged the business leaders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and agriculture.
He said Nigeria’s youthful and growing population presents a good market and a skilled workforce to bolster investments.
Earlier, Mr Shettima remarked that the visit from the Colombian vice president would rekindle ancestral connections disrupted by slavery and colonialism.
He highlighted the political and cultural similarities that will foster healthy economic collaboration.
The Vice President of Colombia, Ms Márquez, highlighted several areas for strengthening bilateral relations, including aviation, visas, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and trade.
”As the first Black vice president of Colombia, I am extremely delighted to lead this visit to the land of our ancestors. Our ancestors were taken away from Africa centuries ago,” she said.
Ms Marquez said her visit will kick-start a long-lasting relationship built on substantial cultural similarities and heritage.
She assured that relations with Nigeria would benefit both countries, particularly in areas such as social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.
Ms Marquez said Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the African Union’s role in restoration and reparation will enhance relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.
(NAN)