Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relationship with the European Union (EU) across multiple sectors.
Receiving the High Level Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mrs Kaja Kallas in his residence in Lagos on Monday, Tinubu expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support, especially in development, security and economic cooperation.
He assured her that Nigeria remains open to partnerships that would promote shared prosperity, stability, and sustainable development.
Earlier, Mrs Kallas had expressed EU’s pledge to deepen bilateral ties with Nigeria across security, trade, and key economic sectors amid growing global uncertainty.
She disclosed that the discussions with President Tinubu focused on expanding cooperation in security, trade, investment, and critical raw materials.
“We are very like-minded partners, the European Union and Nigeria, and we explored new ways to collaborate across key sectors,” Kallas said.
She noted that the evolving global geopolitical environment made it necessary for partners committed to a rules-based international system to strengthen cooperation.
“The global security situation is very serious, and countries that value the international rules-based system must continue to work together,” she added.
Kallas explained that both sides also discussed opportunities to deepen engagement in cybersecurity and broader security cooperation to address emerging threats.
“We are looking at enhanced cooperation in security and cybersecurity, where we believe there is significant potential for stronger collaboration,” she said.
According to her, the prospects for increased trade and investment were discussed and that the EU was keen on expanding economic engagement with Nigeria.
“On issues of investment and trade, there is scope for more collaboration, particularly in areas that support sustainable growth,” she said, adding that critical raw materials remained an area of mutual interest.
The meeting, according to local media reports, was attended by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser and Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning.
GIK/APA