Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening international partnerships with emerging economies like Colombia. He stated this during a meeting with Colombia’s Vice President, Francia M¡rquez, at State House, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu emphasized that shifting global dynamics and economic volatility necessitate new strategic alliances for mutual prosperity. He assured the delegation of senior government and business officials from the South American country that Nigeria intends to replicate the agreements signed with Brazil on aviation and consular matters with Colombia.
The President stressed that the outcomes of all bilateral meetings and agreements signed, under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima, will be given prompt 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 stated. He highlighted that the agreement with Brazil could easily be mirrored in aviation and diplomatic relations with Colombia, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accelerating these efforts.
Tinubu invited business leaders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and agriculture, noting that the country’s youthful and growing population provides a robust market and a skilled workforce to strengthen investments.
Vice President Shettima earlier remarked that the Colombian Vice President’s visit would rekindle ancestral connections disrupted by slavery and colonialism. He pointed out the political and cultural similarities that can foster healthy economic collaboration.
Colombia’s Vice President, Francia M¡rquez, identified several areas to strengthen bilateral relations, including aviation, visas, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and trade. “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 expressed. M¡rquez emphasized her visit as a starting point for a lasting relationship built on cultural similarity and heritage.
She assured that the relations with Nigeria would be mutually beneficial, particularly in social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity. M¡rquez also mentioned discussions with business leaders in aviation about initiating direct flights to Colombia, noting that Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the African Union’s restoration and reparation efforts would enhance relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.