Tinubu assures UAE, Gulf states of Nigeria’s solidarity amid US/Israel–Iran conflict

“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 world needs tranquillity, peace and love. We share that solidarity with all of you in that region,” the President said.

The ceremony saw the presentation of credentials by Ambassador of Qatar, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Al-Hail; Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Yousef Bin Mohammed Albalawi; Ambassador of Lebanon, Wissam Kalakeche; Ambassador of Sudan, Mohammed Abdelaal Haroun; and Namibia’s High Commissioner, Walda Natangwe Ndevashiya.

Others were Rwanda’s High Commissioner, Moses Rugema; Somalia’s Ambassador, Mohamed Osman Mohamed; Argentina’s Ambassador, Nicolas Perazzo Naon; and Ambassador of the Republic of Congo, Moyongo Dieudonne.

President Tinubu described the occasion as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the respective countries, expressing confidence in the capacity of the envoys to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

“I am confident that your appointment as principal envoys of your respective countries in Nigeria is a testament to your years of service and the strength of your character. Kindly convey my warmest fraternal greetings and best wishes to your respective Heads of State and Government,” he said.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s foreign policy thrust, the President noted that his administration would continue to engage actively with the global community to promote mutual prosperity, investment, and sustainable development.

He told the diplomats that they were assuming duty at a pivotal period in Nigeria’s history, as the government implements far-reaching economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country as a competitive global investment destination.

“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.

He added that Nigeria would continue to leverage its youthful population, diaspora strength, and democratic credentials to deepen partnerships across sectors, including infrastructure, trade, and innovation.

The President also underscored Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability under the Economic Community of West African States, noting that the defence of constitutional order, economic integration, and stabilisation of the Sahel remained top priorities.

“These are challenges we cannot achieve in isolation. We look forward to a robust partnership and cooperation with your respective countries in addressing these transnational security and development concerns,” he said.

Tinubu further stressed that global challenges, ranging from climate change and energy transition to counter-terrorism and financial inequities, require collective action by nations and multilateral institutions.

He assured the envoys of the full cooperation of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies, urging them to explore opportunities across the country beyond Abuja to better appreciate Nigeria’s cultural diversity and economic potential.

Responding on behalf of the diplomats, the Ambassador of Qatar expressed appreciation to the President for the warm reception and pledged that the envoys would work diligently to strengthen relations between their countries and Nigeria during their tenure.