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President Bola Tinubu said on Friday that Nigeria is open to strengthening bilateral ties with the East African nations of Kenya and Burundi, as well as the Republic of the Philippines.
He also called for synergy and more decisive coordinated action to address economic frailties within African nations.
President Tinubu made the call at the State House, Abuja, during the presentation of Letters of Credence by newly-appointed ambassadors to Nigeria. They are the Burundi Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana; the Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor and the High Commissioner of Kenya to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed details of Friday’s talks in a statement titled, ‘President Tinubu calls for synergy and coordinated development agenda setting as he receives letters of credence from ambassadors.’
In separate meetings with each ambassador, Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria values warm and brotherly relations with their respective countries and remains a steadfast partner in promoting democratic values and economic opportunities that benefit citizens of all partner nations.
In his meeting with the Philippines ambassador, the President said Nigeria has embarked on a bold initiative to expand its natural gas production to meet domestic needs and increase exports.
He encouraged the representative of the Southeast-Asian nation to attract investors from his country to explore opportunities in Nigeria.
“We have cordial relations with the Philippines and agreements to promote economic cooperation and trade that were signed in the past, but they have not been implemented.
“We are ready to improve bilateral relations, and promote economic ties and collaboration between our two nations,” the President said.
Mellejor acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role and strategic position in Africa as the continent’s largest economy, population, and democracy.
He said these strong credentials form the basis upon which his country seeks to expand economic ties with Nigeria.
He also informed the President that no fewer than 3,000 Filipinos are in Nigeria, mainly employed in the oil industry.
“We are grateful for the warm hospitality of our citizens who live and work here, and since I arrived in the country, I have been fascinated by the beauty and hospitality of the country and Nigerians as a people,” the Ambassador said.
In his meeting with the Burundian Ambassador, President Tinubu addressed the recent floods in East African countries, underscoring the need for African leaders and governments to urgently work together to confront common challenges, such as climate change and other environmental issues.
“We must work in unison to address environmental challenges, such as floods, drought, and the attendant humanitarian consequences for the African people,” the President said.
On economic relations with Burundi, the President promised to follow up on earlier discussions with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye on further cooperation in the oil and gas sector.
“As Africans, it is important for us to work together to promote our interests and develop our continent,” President Tinubu said.
Ambassador Nduwimana informed the President that torrential rains and rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika had affected many Burundians since the beginning of the year.
He requested Nigeria’s support to complement national relief efforts to assist people in the affected areas. He also called for Nigerian investments in Burundi’s solid minerals sector and reiterated his President’s interest in opportunities within Nigeria’s oil sector.
“We recognise what you are doing in Nigeria, and we believe the country’s growth and development offer valuable lessons for us.
“We need Nigerian investors in Burundi in the solid minerals sector, and my President is also desirous of taking further his earlier discussions on opportunities in Nigeria’s oil sector,” the Ambassador said.
In his meeting with the Kenyan High Commissioner, President Tinubu said Nigeria and Kenya have collaborated on various issues, including counter-terrorism, peace, and security in Africa.
“We will continue to promote Africa’s interests together and work together to address issues and challenges common to us.
“Africa’s development and growth should be the centrepiece of our relations and we must promote this across every spectrum of our relations, from the economy to trade, from the social sector to the political and cultural sectors,” the President said.
High Commissioner Parashina presented President William Ruto’s desire for a high-level visit to strengthen bilateral relations further.
He acknowledged that the two countries share challenges and opportunities, such as the fight against terrorism, climate change concerns, tackling unemployment, and leveraging the active youth population for economic growth.