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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s longstanding relationships with the Republic of France, the People’s Republic of China, and the Kingdom of Denmark. On Thursday, during a formal ceremony held at the State House, Tinubu expressed that these diplomatic ties, nurtured over several years, should increasingly deliver tangible economic benefits for the citizens of all involved nations.
As Nigeria aims to solidify its position on the global stage, President Tinubu emphasized his commitment to enhancing economic diplomacy with these countries. He tasked Yu Dunhai, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador, with a specific mission: to actively collaborate with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in implementing the agreements recently reached at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting held in Beijing. These agreements, he stressed, are not just formalities; they represent actionable steps toward a stronger partnership and a robust economic relationship between Nigeria and China.
Tinubu made it clear that economic diplomacy would play a central role in his administration’s foreign policy, with the objective of unlocking mutual benefits and opportunities in trade, technology, infrastructure, and other critical sectors. He urged the ambassadors of France, Denmark, and China to foster direct and practical collaborations that would have a visible impact on the lives of citizens in their respective countries.
President Tinubu also addressed Marc Fonbaustier, the new French Ambassador to Nigeria, underlining the longstanding bond between Nigeria and France. Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to France will further underscore this relationship, particularly in light of his friendship with French President Emmanuel Macron. This visit, he believes, will strengthen the two nations’ shared vision for prosperity and mutual cooperation.
Tinubu conveyed to the French Ambassador that he would like the positive diplomatic relations between Nigeria and France to translate into more visible economic benefits for their people. Recognizing France as a key partner, especially within the European Union, the president noted the possibilities for joint projects in technology, agriculture, and cultural exchange. By enhancing such partnerships, he hopes to foster an environment where Nigerian and French businesses can thrive and where mutual economic growth is prioritized.
Marc Fonbaustier, in response, expressed admiration for Nigeria’s rich culture, its diversity, and its welcoming hospitality. He conveyed his commitment to upscaling the partnership, with a focus on achieving shared economic prosperity. “Nigeria holds significant importance for France, not only due to the depth of our historic relationship but also because of the tremendous potential for growth,” Fonbaustier said, highlighting his dedication to advancing Nigeria-France relations.
When addressing the new Chinese Ambassador, Yu Dunhai, President Tinubu emphasized the need for active follow-through on the commitments made during his recent visit to China. His participation in the FOCAC meeting had resulted in various strategic agreements, and he now expects these to yield results that benefit both Nigeria and China. “I enjoyed my visit to China, and I particularly look forward to the activation of all the agreements we signed, especially on trade and economic progress for both countries,” Tinubu said, highlighting his vision of a partnership grounded in substantial progress.
President Tinubu has repeatedly pointed to China as a model for development, particularly in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and manufacturing. The relationship with China, he asserted, holds valuable lessons for Nigeria. By learning from China’s experience, Nigeria can make significant strides in improving its infrastructure and boosting its economy. The president mentioned that Nigeria will continue to build on China’s expertise, particularly in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, which can act as a catalyst for economic transformation in Nigeria.
In response, Ambassador Yu expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for attending the FOCAC meeting and visiting China in September. He noted that the Chinese government remains enthusiastic about supporting Nigeria in its developmental aspirations, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, technology, and trade. Yu assured Tinubu of his full commitment to implementing the agreements reached, emphasizing the importance of fostering closer ties between China and Nigeria for mutual benefit.
Tinubu also had a productive discussion with Jens Ole Bach Hansen, the newly appointed Danish Ambassador. He welcomed Ambassador Hansen to Nigeria and expressed his optimism for a strengthened relationship with Denmark. While relations between Nigeria and Denmark have traditionally been cordial, Tinubu sees an opportunity to take them to a new level, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, health, and sustainable development.
Nigeria and Denmark share a mutual interest in tackling climate change, and Tinubu indicated that he hopes to collaborate with Denmark on sustainable projects that could benefit both nations. Denmark’s expertise in green technology and sustainable energy solutions could be particularly valuable for Nigeria, which is aiming to reduce its carbon footprint while enhancing energy accessibility. Ambassador Hansen, in his brief remarks, shared Tinubu’s vision, expressing his dedication to expanding Danish-Nigerian relations, especially in areas that contribute to sustainable economic growth.
President Tinubu’s interactions with the ambassadors of France, China, and Denmark indicate his administration’s proactive approach toward international relations. By nurturing these partnerships, Nigeria aims to create a globally connected economy that thrives on mutual respect, economic cooperation, and shared interests. Tinubu’s foreign policy strategy is focused on positioning Nigeria as a reliable and strategic partner, capable of making valuable contributions to the global economy while addressing its own domestic needs.
The president’s call for “economic diplomacy” represents a shift towards a foreign policy that prioritizes practical, citizen-centred outcomes over mere political gestures. His approach reflects a desire to foster economic ties that directly improve the quality of life for Nigerians, emphasizing that international relations should serve as a bridge to better opportunities for the people.
In the coming months, President Tinubu’s planned state visits and ongoing diplomatic engagements will likely be pivotal in actualizing these ambitions. By aligning Nigeria’s interests with those of its partners, he hopes to open doors for increased investments, trade, and development opportunities. Through these strengthened alliances, Tinubu envisions a Nigeria that not only attracts foreign investment but also becomes a leading economic force in Africa and beyond.
