French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday welcomed his counterpart at the Invalides memorial complex, with the first official state visit by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in more than two decades.
Tinubu on Thursday began a two-day visit to France as both countries seek increased economic cooperation, with Paris looking to boost ties in English-speaking Africa following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent.
The two national anthems rang out in the courtyard of one of Paris’s landmarks, kicking off a visit focused on encouraging economic partnerships between France and Africa’s most populous country.
Macron has called for a renewal between Paris and Africa since his 2017 election and after military coups and changing attitudes lessened France’s influence on the continent.
Macron’s office said the trip is an opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria.
For Nigeria, which has been battling soaring inflation and food prices, the visit represents an opportunity to tap economic investment.
The office of Nigeria’s president, in a statement, said the country was looking to build ties in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation and energy transition.
VIDEO: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and President Emmanuel Macron of France arrive at the National Des Invalides Foyer, a military museum, for a military parade to honour the visiting Nigerian President in Paris, on Thursday.
Credit: X | DOlusegun pic.twitter.com/EMqJ3X3uf8
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