Nigeria's new Ambassador to Tunisia, Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar, has presented her Letters of Credence to Tunisian President Kais Saied, formally commencing her diplomatic assignment. The presentation ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Tunis. Abubakar conveyed greetings and best wishes from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Tunisian leader and people.
Discussions between Abubakar and President Saied reviewed the state of Nigeria-Tunisia relations and explored measures to expand cooperation across various spheres. The two countries aim to strengthen the Nigeria-Tunisia Joint Commission, making it a more effective platform for advancing bilateral relations. They also discussed air connectivity, medical tourism, and visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders.
The proposed establishment of drone manufacturing facilities in Nigeria's Bauchi State was a key topic in the discussions. Additionally, the two countries expressed shared interests in regional security, particularly efforts to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons from the wider North African region. Tunisia's experience in border management and security was identified as an area for stronger security and defence cooperation.
Nigeria and Tunisia are working towards concluding several pending bilateral agreements. These agreements cover the avoidance of double taxation, defence cooperation, livestock development, visa arrangements, legal and judicial cooperation, business promotion, education, and technology transfer. The agreements aim to enhance cooperation and foster economic growth between the two nations.
The Federal Government of Nigeria stated that Abubakar's assumption of duty would provide renewed impetus to Nigeria-Tunisia relations. This development is expected to strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Nigeria looks forward to working closely with the Tunisian Government to translate existing goodwill and shared interests into concrete outcomes.
The strengthened bilateral cooperation will focus on trade, investment, education, technology, defence, tourism, and healthcare. Both countries are committed to exploring new opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit. This cooperation is expected to have a positive impact on the economic and social development of both nations.
The new developments in Nigeria-Tunisia relations are seen as a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between the two countries. With a focus on regional security, economic growth, and social development, the strengthened bilateral ties are expected to yield positive outcomes for both nations.
Key points
- Nigeria and Tunisia have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, education, technology, defence, tourism, and healthcare.
- The two countries aim to strengthen the Nigeria-Tunisia Joint Commission to advance bilateral relations.
- Nigeria and Tunisia are working towards concluding several pending bilateral agreements to enhance cooperation and foster economic growth.
