Malik Yahya/
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed new investment initiatives from Qatar, particularly in agriculture, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to strategic partnerships that drive economic growth and development.
Speaking on Friday at the State House during a meeting with Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Special Envoy of the Amir of Qatar, Tinubu praised Qatar’s growing interest in deepening bilateral relations with Nigeria.
Dr. Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, conveyed the Amir’s strong commitment to expanding cooperation between the two nations. He announced that a high-level Qatari business delegation will visit Nigeria in the coming weeks to explore investment opportunities in agriculture, food security, and other key sectors.
Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to implement all bilateral agreements following his state visit to Qatar in 2024. He directed the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to coordinate efforts for the timely execution of these agreements.
“To all members of the delegation, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your visit. We are grateful to God for the progress we have made together as partners. I am also pleased that the Amir of Qatar remembers our discussions during my visit last year,” the President said.
He lauded the warm and brotherly relations between the two countries and underscored his personal commitment to strengthening ties with Qatar.
“I hold Qatar in high regard, and we are ready to deepen our bilateral relations,” he affirmed.
Commending Qatar’s efforts in promoting global peace and development, President Tinubu said:
“I am proud of Qatar’s role in fostering peace and stability across the world. Your contributions to human development, peace, and prosperity are commendable. Like you, we face the dual challenge of combating terrorism and supporting our neighbours. We recognize and value true friends and partners who help us tackle these challenges.”
President Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, particularly in the tax sector, aimed at improving the ease of doing business and attracting foreign investment.
“We are undertaking critical tax reforms. The decisions have been tough but necessary for long-term growth. We are beginning to see results. Nigeria offers a reliable and strategic partnership. I urge Qatar to expand its humanitarian and developmental footprint in Nigeria.”
He emphasized the potential for collaboration in food security and economic development, stating:
“Nigeria is doing its best as a continental leader. We want to sustain strong relations with Qatar and support your peace initiatives. Development cannot thrive without peace.”
Dr. Al-Khulaifi conveyed the Amir’s desire to strengthen the strategic partnership, especially in peace-building, agriculture, and petrochemicals. He expressed satisfaction with the current level of relations and eagerness to expand both governmental and people-to-people engagement.
“We are proud of our relationship with Nigeria. It goes beyond government ties — it includes our peoples. Our Ambassador is actively following up on projects. There is strong interest from Qatari companies to invest in agriculture and petrochemicals,” he said.
Dr. Al-Khulaifi, who also plays a key role in mediating peace across Africa and the Middle East, reiterated Qatar’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria:
“His Highness, the Amir of Qatar, sees Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa,” he said.
0Related posts:
Tinubu Welcomes Multi-Sectoral Agreements with Qatar, Expects Investment Team in Abuja
UBA Donates N500 Million to Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Reaffirms Commitment to Security Initiatives
Tinubu Welcomes ENI’s Proposed Investments, Commits to Reforms for Global Competitiveness
Tinubu Expresses Enthusiasm for Historic Visit by Indian PM, Narendra Modi