The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, with particular emphasis on maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ), trade and investment.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, disclosed this while representing President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.
In a statement signed on behalf of the ministry by Queenet Iheoma-Hart, Matawalle said Nigeria remained committed to promoting peace, security and development across the Gulf of Guinea.
He expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to renew and strengthen relations with São Tomé and Príncipe for the benefit of both countries.
“His Excellency President Tinubu’s participation through representation reflects the historic ties of friendship, fraternity, solidarity and cooperation that continue to define relations between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe,” Matawalle said.
Representing the President, the minister congratulated the people of São Tomé and Príncipe on the conduct of what he described as a peaceful, credible and transparent election.
“Your victory reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership. Nigeria commends the government, the National Electoral Commission, political parties and the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for strengthening democratic institutions in your country,” he said.
Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the longstanding relationship between the two countries and expressed the government’s intention to expand cooperation in key areas.
“Nigeria values the longstanding friendship between our two countries. I therefore look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest,” he added.
