French President Emmanuel Macron is set to embark on a state visit to Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and strategic relations between both countries.
The announcement was made by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during the celebration of France’s National Day in Abuja.
According to the ambassador, the visit will take place two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Paris and will provide both leaders with the opportunity to review the progress of existing bilateral agreements while setting new priorities for future cooperation.
Fonbaustier said the partnership between Nigeria and France is founded on equality, mutual respect and non-interference, stressing that both nations engage as equal partners in pursuit of shared economic, political and security interests.
He noted that both countries remain committed to promoting economic growth, job creation and improved living standards while ensuring environmental sustainability and the protection of natural resources.
The ambassador highlighted ongoing collaboration in agriculture, particularly projects aimed at improving food security in Nigeria and across the West African region in partnership with ECOWAS. He also pointed to the French Development Agency’s interventions in northern Nigeria, including programmes focused on agricultural value chains and improving access to markets in remote communities.
Fonbaustier further reaffirmed the strong security partnership between both nations, noting that Nigeria and France continue to work together in supporting regional efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen the security capacities of affected countries.
He added that President Macron’s personal connection with Nigeria dates back more than two decades, when he spent six months in the country as a student, describing the experience as one that helped shape his vision for Africa and France’s engagement with the continent.
The planned state visit is expected to further deepen cooperation between Nigeria and France across economic development, security, agriculture and other areas of mutual interest.
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