President Bola Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting Mali’s democratic transition, while underscoring the imperative of enhancing economic cooperation between both nations. He emphasized that the enduring strength of West Africa lies in the unity and solidarity of its member states.
The President made these remarks on Thursday in Abuja during an audience with the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, who presented his Letter of Credence. In a message conveyed to Malian transitional leader, General Assimi Goita, President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to work collaboratively with Mali in fostering regional stability, democratic governance, and shared prosperity.
“We should strengthen our bilateral relations, and it is hoped that Mali will achieve its democratic goals. We are open to any support we can render. I want you to see yourself as a member of the family here,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
“For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has made its position clear, but no nation can succeed alone. We see Mali as a brother and are ready to collaborate and exchange ideas.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is home for you. When you feel like seeing us, our doors will always be open,” the President said.
The Ambassador of Mali thanked the President for consistently providing leadership for the sub-region and the continent.
“I wish to convey the fraternal greetings of the Head of State, Gen. Assimi Goïta, and the highest appreciation of the Malian people for the Nigerian leadership and support,” he said.
Coulibaly said Nigeria had maintained its leadership role in Africa while acknowledging the Nigerian military’s supply of troops for various UN peace missions on the continent and the subregion.
“The Head of State particularly told me that I was on a mission to the biggest country in Africa. He said he knows it’s not easy, but I should look for solutions as a diplomat. We know that Africans must solve African problems.
He noted, “I appreciate you as a leader and father in Africa. ”
The statement said that Tinubu also received letters of credence from five other envoys, urging closer cooperation to promote global peace, understanding, and prosperity.
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Among them were Ambassador Bengt Van Loosdrecht of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele of the United Republic of Tanzania; non-resident Ambassador Dr Sabit Subasic of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ambassador Andrey Leonidovich Podelyshev of the Russian Federation; and Ambassador Patrick Egloff of Switzerland
Welcoming the Tanzanian envoy, the President praised the country’s leader, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her courageous leadership and impactful contributions to the African Union.
“We will continue to work together. You can see the situation across the world. No one can do it alone. We will continue to collaborate in areas of knowledge and technical know-how,” he said.
The Tanzanian High Commissioner was said to have acknowledged the significant impact of Nigerian investments in Tanzania, citing contributions from the Dangote Group, UBA, GTB, and Sahara Energy.
“We should strengthen collaboration not only government to government but also people to people as we see in the film industry and sports. Nigeria has a vibrant and wonderful film industry, and it is collaborating with Tanzania,’ the Ambassador stated.
During his meeting with the Russian ambassador, Onanuga conveyed President Tinubu’s acknowledgment of the enduring technical collaboration between Nigeria and Russia. The President expressed a clear ambition to deepen this partnership, particularly in areas such as steel manufacturing, scientific research, education, and nuclear energy, with the objective of strengthening the nation’s electricity infrastructure.
President Tinubu remarked that their bilateral partnership had been productive, but the demands of their rapidly growing population required increased technological support. He added that the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, a project developed with Russian expertise, would realize its strategic potential only when it became fully operational.