‘[PHOTOS] We must do more to stop extremists,’ Tinubu receives Greek, Egyptian, Pakistan envoys
President Bola Tinubu on Friday welcomed envoys from Pakistan, Greece, and Egypt, urging them to collaborate with the Nigerian government in efforts to combat terrorism.
Receiving their letters of credence at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa as a bastion of peace, saying the nation will continue to play its role as a stabilizer on the continent.
He underscored the need for global cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
“We must do more to stop extremists. We need to enhance our collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge in these areas,” Tinubu charged the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major-General Sohail Ahmed Khan (retired).
“As a government, we will keep an open-door policy with countries and development partners on enhancing cooperation on security, economy, education, and the information and communication technology sector where the Minister is doing very well. How can we improve our bilateral relationship? We must do more.”
President Tinubu commended the Ambassador’s military experience, highlighting its significance in facilitating the exchange of ideas to enhance security and defense cooperation.
In his conversation with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Ahmed, President Tinubu stressed the mutual dedication of both nations to advancing global peace and stability through joint efforts within international bodies like the United Nations.
He noted that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1961, Nigeria and Egypt have worked together on crucial international agendas, including the promotion of regional peace, security, and stability.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the situation in the Sahel and Sudan.
Acknowledging Egypt’s role towards a truce in the crisis in Gaza, President Tinubu said: “We need to do more. Stability in the region is of paramount importance.”
During a distinct meeting with Ambassador Athanasios Kotsionis of Greece, President Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s dedication to an inclusive policy that fosters cooperation and advancement for everyone’s advantage.
He reiterated Nigeria’s determination to enhance bilateral ties with Greece and to foster cooperative efforts to tackle shared challenges.
The President assured the Greek Ambassador of Nigeria’s resolve to establish a conducive environment for socioeconomic progress and development.
“Nigeria and Greece have good historic ties. We have shared priorities, including promoting democracy, and there is room to expand cooperation.
“The economic situation in Africa and Europe is still very unbalanced. We should build on the opportunities from our challenges and strengthen relations between the two countries.
“What I expect is an improvement in the relationship between both countries, and I look forward to us working on that.
“Our government is about renewed hope. Nigeria will continue to play its role as a stabilizer on the continent,” Tinubu said.