Melvin onwubuke
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received the Special Envoy of the President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, at the State House, Abuja, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Ajuri Ngelale.
The Special Envoy and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, had conveyed a message from President Mbasogo requesting a state visit by President Tinubu, highlighting the need to revitalize the Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea Joint Commission.
He also emphasized the importance of fostering greater cooperation in various sectors, including oil and gas, and trade.
Responding, President Tinubu reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral ties between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, describing the relations as strong and brotherly.
He recalled his last encounter with President Mbasogo, in which he had discussed strategies to enhance economic ties, especially as regards the ocean and maritime economy, and cooperation on climate change.
President Tinubu is confident that the formal meeting of both countries will be another step towards strengthening their relationship.
President Tinubu in the statement said “Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are brotherly nations, and we enjoy very longstanding mutual relations. I am sure when next we meet formally; the relationship between our countries will grow from strength to strength.”
Both countries have, in the past, established collaboration particularly focused on energy cooperation, maritime security, and economic diversification.
Recall, that Equatorial Guinea’s president had paid a similar visit to former President Mohammadu Buhari at Aso Rock on February 12, 2016, during which they discussed some bilateral trade agreements between the two countries.
Mr. Mbasogo has been President of Equatorial Guinea since 1979.
