The federal government is to strengthen bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, with focus on maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ), trade and investment.
Minister of State for Defence Bello Muhammad Matawalle stated this while representing President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.
Matawalle in a statement signed by Queenet Iheoma-Hart for the ministry said Nigeria remained committed to peace, security and development in the Gulf of Guinea region.
He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to re-establish and strengthen closer ties with São Tomé and Príncipe for mutual benefit.
“His Excellency President Tinubu’s participation through representation reflects the historic ties of friendship, fraternity, solidarity and cooperation that continue to define relations between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe,” the minister said.
Speaking on behalf of the president, he commended the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for conducting a peaceful, credible and transparent election.
“Your victory reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership. Nigeria commends the government, the National Electoral Commission, political parties and the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for strengthening democratic institutions in your country,” he said.
“Nigeria values the longstanding friendship between our two countries. I therefore look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest,” he added.
