WORLD leaders have begun to send well wishes to Nigeria ahead of the country’s 61st Independence Day celebration tomorrow.
French President, in a letter to President Buhari today said, “On the occasion of the national day of the federal republic of Nigeria, I am pleased to extend to you, on my behalf and on behalf of the French people, my warmest congratulations, which also go to all Nigerian Citizens,” he said.
Macron noted that France’s bilateral relationship with Nigeria had remained strengthened since his visit to the country in 2018, hoping for a continued bilateral and mutual relationship with Nigeria.
“You know my personal attachment to the relationship between France and Nigeria, the continent’s leading economic and demographic power. I firmly believe that it is in the mutual interest of our two countries to strengthen this relation on all fronts.
“Since my visit in July 2018, the ties between our two countries have continued to strengthen, especially in the economic field. I was happy to welcome you to Paris on May 18th, on the occasion of your participation in the summit on the financing of African economies.”
He stated that the creation of the Franco- African Business Council, which met last June at the Palace of Versailles, had allowed the birth of many more structuring projects between French and Nigerian companies.
He noted that the number of Nigerian students present in France had been increasing at a sustained rate over the past three years and he was delighted that they could contribute to the growth of Nigeria and the development of ties between the two countries.
He also hoped that the participation, in a few days, of young Nigerian artists, entrepreneurs and creators in the New African-France Summit in Montpelier would make it possible to intensify the exchanges between French and Nigerian civil society.
“We can do even more together because France and Nigeria share many common interests, both on regional, security and global issues. I, therefore, hope that our countries will intensify their exchanges on all these subjects.
“Renewing my best wishes for success, please accept, Mr President, the assurance of my highest consideration,” he said.
Similarly, outgoing German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, phoned President Buhari to pay compliments and say thank you to the Nigerian President.
This was contained in a statement today by Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, titled, ‘Outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel In Phone Call With President Buhari’.
The statement read, “It will be recalled that President Buhari had concluded his address at the 76th edition of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week this way:
“Let me close my statement by paying special tribute to a great and humane internationalist, and an exemplary practitioner of multilateralist cooperation. I am speaking of Chancellor Angela Merkel of the Federal Republic of Germany. As she exits the stage, we wish her well.”
“Chancellor Merkel thanked President Buhari for his kind words and felicitation, wishing him greater successes in the challenging task of leading Nigeria and her about 200 million people”.
Meanwhile, the United States through it’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, has pledged that the Joe Biden administration will continue to stand by the nation in spite of the many economic and security challenges confronting the West African nation.
The American envoy stated this in an OP-ED today titled, ‘Reflections on 61 years of U.S. – Nigerian Engagement’.
Leonard said the US Mission in Nigeria “recognize that security and economic concerns weigh on the minds of all Nigerians”, adding that it has been working in solidarity with the Nigerian government to address the challenges together.
She wrote, “We also recognize that security and economic concerns weigh on the minds of all Nigerians. We work in solidarity with the Nigerian government to address those challenges together. Diplomacy, development, public health, and defense have long been pillars that provide the foundation for promoting and protecting U.S. national security interests abroad.
“Our bilateral relationship is strong and based on such mutual interests. We share the Nigerian government’s recognition that, indeed, military aid will not be the exclusive tool to end insecurity in the country. A “whole of government” approach is required to protect citizens and stabilize the country. And indeed, all Nigerians have a role to play in improving security.
“We have a long-standing partnership with the Nigerian military and the Nigerian police that consists of advising, training, exercises, education, and military systems and equipment, all of which are encompassed in the historic A-29 Super Tucano sale. These engagements emphasize the skills and processes that are critical to shaping effective militaries.
“The United States supports Nigeria’s economic growth and its mutually beneficial trade with the U.S. through both private sector engagement and government-supported initiatives – such as the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, Prosper Africa, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and the Foreign Commercial Service. The U.S. is proud to be the largest humanitarian donor in Nigeria, providing $1.45 billion since 2015, and supporting an estimated two million conflict-affected households in the north. The U.S. is looking forward to expanding on these economic relationships in the future.”
Joining the fray, President Ram Nath Kovind of India congratulated the government and people of Nigeria.
Adesina, in a statement today, in Abuja said the Indian president’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a letter addressed to President Buhari.
In the congratulatory letter, Kovind extended his best wishes to the Nigerian leader as well as the continued prosperity of the country.
‘‘India and Nigeria have warm, friendly and deep-rooted ties. Our multifaceted relations have further been expanded and strengthened by regular and cordial engagements at various levels. India and Nigeria have strong relations. Despite challenges during the pandemic, our economic relations have gained strength.
‘‘Please accept my best wishes for Your Excellency’s good health and well-being as well as for the continued prosperity and progress of the friendly people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ Kovind said.
