President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed Nigeria’s solidarity with Gulf nations affected during the recent tensions linked to the US/Israel-Iran conflict, reaffirming the country’s commitment to global peace and stability.
The President made this known on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Letters of Credence from newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners from nine countries, including envoys from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Addressing the diplomats, Tinubu conveyed Nigeria’s support for countries in the Gulf region that came under pressure during the conflict, including the United Arab Emirates and others.
“Let me first of all congratulate all of you and use this opportunity to say that the Federal Republic of Nigeria expresses its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in the face of the recent attacks,” the President said.
“The world needs tranquillity, peace and love. We share that solidarity with all of you in that region,” he added.
Tinubu commended the affected countries for their resilience and restraint, stressing that Nigeria would continue to advocate peaceful coexistence globally.
The President also used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with partner nations, describing the presentation of Letters of Credence as “a significant milestone in the enduring partnership” between Nigeria and the respective countries.
“Nigeria values the bonds of friendship we share. We remain fully committed to deepening these ties, for the mutual prosperity and progress of our peoples,” he said.
He urged the envoys to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria, noting that his administration is implementing reforms aimed at positioning the country as a competitive destination for global investment.
“As you commence your tour of duty, I invite you to see Nigeria not just as Africa’s most populous nation, but as a dynamic partner open for strategic and mutually beneficial business collaboration,” Tinubu stated.
The President further highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), noting that peace and development in the sub-region require collective effort.
“The defence of constitutional order, the pursuit of regional economic integration, and the stabilisation of the Sahel region are priorities that we cannot achieve in isolation,” he said.
Tinubu also assured the diplomats of full cooperation from the Nigerian government throughout their tenure.
“Your Excellencies, as you embark on your diplomatic missions in Nigeria, you have my personal assurance and the full cooperation of my administration,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the envoys, the Ambassador of Qatar, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Al-Hail, thanked the President for the warm reception and pledged to strengthen bilateral relations between their respective countries and Nigeria.
The ceremony was attended by ambassadors from several countries, including Lebanon, Sudan, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, Argentina, and Congo, marking the formal commencement of their diplomatic assignments in Nigeria.