‘Let’s translate friendship to economic gains,’ Tinubu tells foreign envoys

President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday the cordial relations enjoyed by Nigeria and other foreign nations should translate into mutual economic benefits for citizens.

The President stated this at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Letters of Credence from the trio of Ambassadors Marc Fonbaustier (France), Jens Hansen (Denmark), and Yu Dunhai (China).

Tinubu, who is scheduled to pay a state visit to France, told the French ambassador that his friendship with President Emmanuel Macron and the diplomatic ties between both countries should be felt by citizens.

He said: “Macron has been a good friend over many years, and I am looking forward to the State Visit in Paris to solidify our relationship, and ensure that our citizens also share in the gains of diplomacy between both countries.

“I am happy you are not a stranger in Africa from your background. Nigeria is the biggest country on the continent, and the headquarters of ECOWAS is based here.

“We have an open-door policy, and we want your investors to take advantage of it.

“Our collaboration is essential for Africa, ECOWAS and Nigeria. You can always get in touch through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Chief of Staff to the President.”

READ ALSO: Tinubu vows Nigeria will become global investment destination

He also welcomed the Danish envoy, adding that he looked forward to improved relations between the two countries.

“Your country is known for promotion of democratic values and human rights and we are ready to collaborate with you.

“We have seen your engagements in the energy sector in your country, and around the world, and we will like to benefit from that.

“We are interested in education, Medicare, and areas that directly impact the livelihood of our people. We have seen the progress of the APM terminal in Lagos, a company from the kingdom of Denmark.

“Nigeria is good for business, and we want to continue to promote that aspect,” President Tinubu stated.

While receiving Dunhai, Tinubu thanked the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, for hosting him during his State visit to Beijing, and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

He urged the envoy to work hard with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to translate the agreements signed into reality.

The President said Nigeria would continue to leverage and build on the Chinese experience, especially in trade and infrastructure development.

The Chinese ambassador thanked Tinubu for honouring the invitation to visit China in September.

“Your visit was a great success and your presence resonated very well. It was a milestone in our bilateral relations.

“It was important for both countries to agree to elevate our bilateral relations. We will continue to explore development paths to suit Nigeria, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We have enjoyed more than half a century of relations. We have respect for each other and treat each other with equity, and our relations have grown from strength to strength, particularly in economics and trade,” he said.

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