President Bola Tinubu has pledged swift action on agreements signed with Colombia, aimed at deepening bilateral ties in aviation, diplomacy, and other areas.
Tinubu spoke while receiving Vice-President Francia Márquez of the Republic of Colombia at the state house in Abuja on Monday.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Márquez was accompanied by a delegation of senior government, business, and diplomatic officials from the South American country.
He said Tinubu, receiving them, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and aligning its foreign relations with evolving global trends in trade, politics, and culture.
The president assured the delegation that Nigeria will replicate the agreements signed with Brazil on aviation and consular issues with Colombia.
He said 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,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
“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.”
Tinubu urged the business leaders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and agriculture.
According to the statement, the president said Nigeria’s youthful and growing population presents a good market and a skilled workforce to bolster investments.
On his part, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the Colombian leader’s visit would revive ancestral ties and foster a prosperous partnership between both nations.
NIGERIA, COLOMBIA TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES IN AVIATION, TRADE, CULTURE
Also speaking, Márquez highlighted aviation, visas, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and trade as key areas to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Colombia.
“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.
Márquez assured that bilateral relations would benefit both countries, particularly in areas such as social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity.
“We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia.”
She 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.
Earlier today, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations, opening a new and significant chapter in their relations.
The MoU, signed during the bilateral meeting and business forum at the presidential villa, was appended by Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, and Mauricio Jassir, the deputy minister of multilateral affairs of the Republic of Colombia.
Jassir explained that the MoU facilitates frequent political dialogue with Nigeria and streamlines visa approvals for its diplomats, making it easier for them to visit the country.
Further speaking, Shettima said both nations aim to build a resilient creative economy through collaboration in education, science, and technology.
The vice-president implored both Nigeria and Colombia to capitalise on their abundant potential and turn it into palpable and substantial economic gains
