President Bola Tinubu on Thursday reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for Mali’s democratic transition and emphasized the importance of regional unity in West Africa.
Receiving the Letter of Credence from Mali’s new Ambassador, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu stressed that no nation can thrive in isolation.
“We must strengthen our bilateral ties, and we hope Mali will achieve its democratic aspirations,” the President said.
“We are open to offering any support. Consider yourself part of the family here. In West Africa—and indeed Africa—we are one.
“While the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has taken a firm stance, unity remains essential. Nigeria sees Mali as a brother and is ready to work together.”
He assured the envoy of Nigeria’s hospitality, stating: “Nigeria is your home. Our doors are always open.”
In response, Ambassador Coulibaly conveyed the greetings of Malian President General Assimi Goïta and expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s enduring leadership in the region.
“I bring warm fraternal greetings from President Goïta and deep appreciation from the Malian people,” he said. He praised Nigeria’s regional leadership and acknowledged its contributions to peacekeeping missions across Africa. “President Goïta told me I’m posted to Africa’s biggest country and tasked me to find diplomatic solutions. We Africans must solve African problems.”
Coulibaly also hailed Tinubu as a respected leader and father figure in Africa.
President Tinubu also received credentials from five other envoys: Ambassador Bengt Van Loosdrecht of the Netherlands, High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele of Tanzania, non-resident Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Andrey Leonidovich Podelyshev of Russia, and Ambassador Patrick Egloff of Switzerland.
Welcoming the Tanzanian envoy, Tinubu commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership and noted the strong bilateral ties between the nations.
“No one can tackle global challenges alone,” he said. “We must keep working together, sharing knowledge and technical expertise.”
High Commissioner Kakele highlighted Nigerian investments in Tanzania, including Dangote Group, UBA, GTB, and Sahara Energy. He also praised growing cultural exchange through film and sports. “Nigeria’s film industry is dynamic, and we’re seeing productive collaboration with Tanzania,” he noted.
In his meeting with Russian Ambassador Podelyshev, President Tinubu stressed Nigeria’s interest in revitalizing the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and deepening cooperation in nuclear energy, education, and science to support the country’s growing population.
“Our partnership has been beneficial, but we need more technological support,” Tinubu said. Podelyshev affirmed Russia’s commitment to expanding collaboration, especially in energy and education.
Addressing Swiss Ambassador Egloff, Tinubu pledged continued reforms to attract investment and resolve legal barriers to economic growth.
“We’ll address regulatory challenges to enhance our economic cooperation,” the President said.
Egloff noted increased Swiss investments in Nigeria, particularly by Nestlé and Lafarge, and praised bilateral efforts on security and intelligence.
Finally, Tinubu expressed appreciation to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador Subasic for strengthening ties and was invited to visit the country to witness its progress firsthand.
