*President Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Regional Unity and Democratic Progress By Zainab Rauf, Abuja President Bola Ahmed...
*President Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Regional Unity and Democratic Progress
By Zainab Rauf, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering support for democratic transition and regional unity in West Africa, urging closer cooperation between Nigeria and Mali. The President made the statement on Thursday while receiving the Letter of Credence from Mali’s new ambassador, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, at the State House in Abuja.
In a strong message of solidarity to Malian leader General Assimi Goïta, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of regional integration, declaring, “No nation can succeed alone.” He described Mali as a “brother nation” and assured the new ambassador that Nigeria remains committed to helping Mali achieve its democratic aspirations.
“For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has made its position clear, but unity is our strength,” Tinubu said. “We are open to any support we can render, and I want you to see yourself as a member of the family here.”
Ambassador Coulibaly conveyed warm greetings from General Goïta and expressed Mali’s gratitude for Nigeria’s enduring leadership on the continent. He highlighted Nigeria’s role in peacekeeping and diplomacy, acknowledging its influence across Africa.
“You are a leader and father in Africa,” the envoy told Tinubu, citing the Nigerian military’s contributions to United Nations missions and the country’s sustained diplomatic engagement.
President Tinubu also received credentials from five other foreign diplomats, including envoys from the Netherlands, Tanzania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, and Switzerland.
In his meeting with Tanzanian High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele, the President praised Tanzania’s leadership and encouraged greater collaboration in trade, culture, and technology. Ambassador Kakele lauded Nigerian investments in Tanzania, including those by the Dangote Group and UBA, and pointed to fruitful cultural ties through film and sports.
During discussions with Russian Ambassador Andrey Podelyshev, Tinubu emphasized the need to revive and expand Nigeria’s long-standing technical cooperation with Russia, particularly in steel production and nuclear energy. He pointed to the dormant Ajaokuta Steel Complex as a critical project awaiting Russian support to reach full functionality.
With Swiss Ambassador Patrick Egloff, President Tinubu pledged to reform regulatory frameworks to attract more investors, assuring that legal and bureaucratic bottlenecks would be addressed. Egloff praised Swiss investments in Nigeria and emphasized ongoing cooperation in intelligence and security.
The President also welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s envoy, Dr. Sabit Subašić, who invited Tinubu to visit Sarajevo, citing positive strides in bilateral relations.
As Nigeria continues to position itself as a diplomatic and economic leader in Africa, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, prosperity, and mutual understanding both within and beyond the continent.
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