In a significant display of regional solidarity, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Mali’s transition to democracy and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. This assurance was given during a meeting with Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, who presented his Letter of Credence to President Tinubu in Abuja.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity among West African countries, stating that they are stronger when united. He expressed Nigeria’s openness to providing any necessary support to Mali, viewing the country as a “brother” with whom they are ready to collaborate and exchange ideas. The President warmly welcomed Ambassador Coulibaly, stressing that Nigeria’s doors are always open to him and that he should consider himself a member of the family.
Ambassador Coulibaly conveyed the appreciation of the Malian people for Nigeria’s leadership and support, acknowledging the country’s role in supplying troops for UN peace missions across the continent. He highlighted the need for African solutions to African problems, a sentiment echoed by President Tinubu.
The meeting with the Malian ambassador was part of a series of diplomatic engagements for President Tinubu, who also received letters of credence from envoys of the Netherlands, Tanzania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, and Switzerland. In each of these meetings, the President underscored the importance of closer cooperation to promote peace, understanding, and prosperity globally.
With the Tanzanian High Commissioner, Selestine Gervas Kakele, President Tinubu praised the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and expressed a desire to continue collaboration in areas such as knowledge sharing and technical expertise. The High Commissioner noted the significant impact of Nigerian investments in Tanzania, particularly in the film industry and sports, suggesting that people-to-people collaboration could be strengthened alongside government-to-government relations.
President Tinubu also explored avenues for expanded cooperation with Russia, focusing on steel production, science, education, and nuclear energy to boost electricity supply. He mentioned the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, constructed by Russian companies, which he hopes will reach its full potential soon. The Russian Ambassador, Andrey Leonidovich Podelyshev, confirmed Russia’s readiness to broaden cooperation, especially in education and energy, highlighting ongoing agreements on nuclear power.
In discussions with the Swiss Ambassador, Patrick Egloff, President Tinubu committed to creating a more favorable environment for investors through regulatory reforms, aiming to address legal issues that might hinder economic progress. Ambassador Egloff noted the growing investments by Swiss companies in Nigeria, such as Nestlé and Lafarge, and praised the ongoing collaboration in security and intelligence.
These diplomatic exchanges reflect Nigeria’s proactive stance on regional and international cooperation, aiming to foster stronger ties with countries across the globe. By emphasizing unity, mutual support, and collaborative development, President Tinubu is paving the way for a more interconnected and prosperous future for Nigeria and its partners.
