Let’s translate friendship to economic gains, Tinubu tells ambassadors

President Bola Tinubu said the cordial relations enjoyed by Nigeria, France, China and Denmark should translate into mutual economic benefits for citizens.

The President said this on Thursday, at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Letters of Credence from Marc Fonbaustier, French ambassador; Jens Hansen, Danish ambassador, and Yu Dunhai, Chinese ambassador.

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

“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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Chief of Staff to the President,” the President added.

Tinubu also welcomed the Ambassador of Denmark, adding that he looked forward to improved relations.

“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,” said the President.

While receiving Dunhai, Tinubu appreciated President Xi Jinping of China 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 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.

He said they were already working with some states to improve yields for rice and yam, a mobile medical outreach to the less privileged, and educational exchange programmes that would enhance vocational and technical skills in the country.

“Mr President, you are a reformer, and our people respect reformers. Like you said in your Independence Day speech, Nigerians are tenacious and resilient,” he added.

Hansen, on his part, said his country had evolved a new strategy to improve relations with Africa, and Nigeria would play a central role in the implementation, considering its size and influence on the continent.

“We recognise your influence globally and regionally, and we will continue to cooperate and expand relations with Nigeria, especially in areas of trade and economy,” the Danish ambassador added.

Also, the French Ambassador, in his remarks, affirmed the warmth, hospitality and diversity of Nigerian culture, assuring that he would put in efforts to upscale the partnership for a shared economic prosperity.

“Mr President, I must praise and express my admiration for your achievements. You have taken a bold step in developing the country, and I encourage you to stand, and do the right thing for Nigeria,” Fonbaustier stated.