PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu yesterday, met with envoys from Pakistan, Greece, and Egypt and urged them to work together with the Nigerian government to combat terrorism. Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s role as a peacekeeper in Africa and stressed the importance of global cooperation in fighting extremism.
“We must do more to stop extremists. We need to enhance our collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge in these areas,” Tinubu charged the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major-General Sohail Ahmed Khan (retired).
“As a government, we will keep an open-door policy with countries and development partners on enhancing cooperation on security, economy, education, and the information and communication technology sector where the Minister is doing very well. How can we improve our bilateral relationship? We must do more.”
President Tinubu highlighted the Ambassador’s military expertise as useful for exchanging views on how to strengthen security and defence cooperation.
President Tinubu addressed the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Ahmed, and emphasized the two countries’ shared commitment to advancing global peace and stability through engagement with international organizations such as the United Nations.
He stated that since their diplomatic relations were established in 1961, Nigeria and Egypt have worked together on major international goals such as fostering regional peace, security, and stability.
The summit also addressed the situation in the Sahel and Sudan.
President Tinubu acknowledged Egypt’s assistance in achieving a truce in the Gaza situation, saying, “We need to do more. It is critical to maintain regional stability.”
In a separate meeting with Greece’s Ambassador Athanasios Kotsionis, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to an open-door policy that promotes collaboration and progress for all.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Greece and building bridges of cooperation to address shared concerns.
The President informed the Greek Ambassador that Nigeria is committed to fostering an environment that promotes socioeconomic growth and development.
“Nigeria and Greece have good historic ties. We have shared priorities, including promoting democracy, and there is room to expand cooperation.
“The economic situation in Africa and Europe is still very unbalanced. We should build on the opportunities from our challenges and strengthen relations between the two countries.
“What I expect is an improvement in the relationship between both countries, and I look forward to us working on that.
“Our government is about renewed hope. Nigeria will continue to play its role as a stabilizer on the continent,” Tinubu said.
