The United States, Liberia, Ghana, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan have congratulated Nigeria on its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the country as vital to Africa's stability and economic growth. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a National Day message, said Washington valued its strong bilateral relationship with Nigeria. He welcomed the substantive dialogue between both countries over the past year.
Rubio highlighted Nigeria's strategic importance to the continent, citing its democratic standing, economic strength, and role in regional affairs. He said Nigeria plays a vital role in advancing regional stability and economic growth. The U.S. Secretary of State identified democratic principles, religious freedom, expanding commercial relations, peace, and security as key pillars of cooperation between Abuja and Washington.
Liberia President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. also sent a congratulatory message to the government and people of Nigeria on the anniversary. He extended best wishes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the long history of friendship and cooperation between both countries. Boakai noted that Liberia and Nigeria share a common membership in ECOWAS and the African Union.
The Ghana High Commission in Abuja presented a commemorative cake to Nigeria to mark the anniversary, underscoring the longstanding friendship and solidarity between both countries. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received the cake, describing the gesture as historically unique. He called for sustained dialogue and stronger cooperation to prevent disagreements from undermining the historic relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.
Ghana's High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu, described Nigeria and Ghana as members of the same family, highlighting their longstanding cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties. He recalled the contributions of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Nigerian leaders to strengthening relations between both countries.
The Government and people of Bangladesh also felicitated with Nigeria on the occasion of the country's anniversary. The High Commission of Bangladesh in Nigeria said Bangladesh and Nigeria share longstanding friendship rooted in common values and mutual respect. The two countries have been expanding cooperation in trade, energy, development, and other areas of mutual interest.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan sent a congratulatory telegram to President Tinubu, emphasizing that Kazakhstan regards Nigeria as a reliable partner in Africa. He advocated for further strengthening political dialogue and expanding trade and economic cooperation between both countries.
Key points
- The U.S. Secretary of State highlighted Nigeria's strategic importance to Africa's stability and economic growth.
- Ghana's High Commissioner to Nigeria described Nigeria and Ghana as members of the same family.
- Kazakhstan's President emphasized the need for stronger political dialogue and economic cooperation with Nigeria.
