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President Bola Tinubu On Friday expressed Nigeria's interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Kenya, Burundi, and the Republic of the Philippines.
He emphasized the need for coordinated action to address economic challenges within African nations during the presentation of Letters of Credence by newly-appointed ambassadors to Nigeria at the State House in Abuja.
The ambassadors include Edouard Nduwimana from Burundi, Mersole Mellejor from the Philippines, and Isaac Parashina from Kenya.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed details of Friday’s talks in a statement titled, ‘President Tinubu calls for synergy and coordinated development agenda setting as he receives letters of credence from ambassadors.’
During individual discussions with each ambassador, Tinubu stressed Nigeria's appreciation for the close and friendly ties with their countries and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing democratic principles and economic prosperity for all partner nations' citizens.
In his conversation with the ambassador from the Philippines, the President highlighted Nigeria's efforts to enhance its natural gas production to meet domestic demand and boost exports.
He urged the envoy from the Southeast-Asian nation to encourage investors from their country to consider opportunities in Nigeria.
"We have friendly relations with the Philippines and have previously signed agreements to enhance economic cooperation and trade, but unfortunately, they have not been put into effect.
"We are prepared to enhance our bilateral relations and foster economic connections and collaboration between our two countries," stated the President.
Mellejor recognized Nigeria's influential role and strategic position in Africa as the continent's largest economy, population, and democracy.
He indicated that these impressive attributes are the foundation on which his country aims to strengthen economic relations with Nigeria.
He also informed the President that there are approximately 3,000 Filipinos in Nigeria, primarily employed in the oil industry.
"We appreciate the warm reception of our citizens who reside and work here, and since my arrival in the country, I have been captivated by the country's beauty and the hospitable nature of Nigerians," expressed the Ambassador.
During his meeting with the Burundian Ambassador, President Tinubu discussed the recent floods in East African countries, emphasizing the necessity for African leaders and governments to collaborate urgently to address common challenges, such as climate change and other environmental issues.
The President expressed his sympathy to the governments and citizens of Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia, who have been affected by the recent floods.
He emphasized the need for collective action to address environmental challenges like floods and drought, and the resulting humanitarian impact on the people of Africa.
Regarding economic relations with Burundi, the President pledged to continue discussions with President Evariste Ndayishimiye on enhancing cooperation in the oil and gas industry.
He stressed the importance of African unity in advancing the continent's interests and development.
Ambassador Nduwimana briefed the President on the severe impact of heavy rains and rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika on the people of Burundi since the beginning of the year.
He sought Nigeria's assistance to support national relief efforts for the affected areas and called for Nigerian investments in Burundi's solid minerals sector.
He expressed his President's keen interest in opportunities within Nigeria's oil sector.
The Ambassador also acknowledged Nigeria's progress and development, viewing it as a source of valuable lessons for Burundi.
