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Our relationship must be win-win, Tinubu tells France, China, Denmark

By Terhemba Daka, Abuja
01 November 2024   |   4:11 am
President Bola Tinubu has said the cordial relations Nigeria enjoys with France, China and Denmark over the years should translate to mutual economic benefits for citizens, particularly in key areas of education, health, and infrastructure. 
President Bola Tinubu (left) receiving Letter of Credence from the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Denmark to Nigeria, Jens Bach Hansen, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday.

President Bola Tinubu has said the cordial relations Nigeria enjoys with France, China and Denmark over the years should translate to mutual economic benefits for citizens, particularly in key areas of education, health, and infrastructure. 
 
The President assured of expanding economic diplomacy during a ceremony at the State House, Abuja, to receive Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the French Republic, Marc Fonbaustier; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yu Dunhai.
 


Tinubu, who is scheduled for a state visit to France, told the French envoy that his friendship with Emmanuel Macron and the diplomatic ties between both countries should be felt by citizens.
 
He urged French support for his reforms, which sought to strengthen institutions and improve citizens’ livelihoods. 
 
“Macron has been a good friend over many years. I am looking forward to the state visit to 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 the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is here. We have an open-door policy, and we want your investors to take advantage of it,” Tinubu told the French envoy.  
 
Fonbaustier affirmed the warmth, hospitality and diversity of Nigerian culture, assuring that he would put all effort into upscaling the partnership for shared economic prosperity.
 
In a meeting with the Chinese ambassador, Tinubu appreciated 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 with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to translate the agreements signed into reality. 
 
“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,” the President said, adding that Nigeria would continue to leverage and build on the Chinese experience, especially in trade and infrastructure development. 
 
Yu thanked Tinubu for honouring the invitation for a visit 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. Our relations have grown from strength to strength, particularly in economics and trade,’’ the Chinese ambassador said.  
 
Tinubu welcomed the Ambassador of Denmark, adding that he looked forward to improved relations.
  
“Your country is known for the 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 Denmark. Nigeria is good for business, and we want to continue to promote that aspect,’’ the President said. 

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