President Bola Tinubu on Friday in Abuja called for strengthened cooperation with France to address the ongoing threat of terrorism in the country.
He also praised the departing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, for her commitment to improving relations between France and Nigeria.
During a farewell meeting with Blatmann, Tinubu encouraged her to utilize her new position as Director for Africa to emphasize the importance of “enhancing technical cooperation” between Nigeria and France to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
”You have been excellent in promoting bilateral relations between both countries in the areas of economy, trade, education, arts, and culture.”
”You have been excellent in promoting bilateral relations between both countries in the areas of economy, trade, education, arts, and culture.
”Thank you for the hard work you have done in Nigeria and for President Macron to appoint you to a new position as Africa Director. It is a testament that you excelled in your assignment in our country.
”You will always be welcomed in Nigeria. On regional security, we want you to remind Paris at every opportunity that it is necessary to upgrade our technical cooperation in our joint efforts to defeat terrorism and counter violent extremism in the region,” he said.
Blatmann, reflecting on her service, discussed noteworthy accomplishments, emphasizing France’s substantial investments and a notable surge in bilateral trade.
She mentioned that France stands as one of the leading foreign investors in Nigeria, boasting an investment stock of over 10 billion dollars, and witnessing a 51 per cent increase in bilateral trade during the years 2021 and 2022.
”We are also one of the biggest development partners, with over 3 billion euros invested over the last decade by AFD and PROPARCO. AFD now operates in 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
”Ever since I arrived here in October 2021, it has been a series of wonderful discoveries and amazing encounters. I will definitely take away with me the energy and creativity of this country that will forever guide me and fuel my afro-optimism,” she said.