Nigeria and Portugal have emphasised the need for stronger ties 46 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations by expressing their determination to take relations to a completely new level with tangible deliverables.
President Muhammadu Buhari gave the indication during a joint press conference with Portuguese President Marcela Rebelo de Sousa on Thursday in Lisbon.
The Nigerian president told the press after a one-on-one meeting with his Portuguese counterpart and an enlarged meeting of delegations that, despite the two countries’ existing cordial relations, there was a need for greater collaboration.
As a result, President Buhari declared that ten agreements and Memorandums of Understanding are being prepared for signing during his State visit to the European country.
These include:
‘‘The Establishment of an Atlantic Research Centre; Air travel; Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training; Cultural Cooperation; Investment Promotion; Chambers of Commerce Cooperation; Women and Child Development; Youth and Sports Development and Digital Economy Cooperation.
‘‘The world is at a crossroads. The decisions we take as leaders could make or break the world as we know it.
‘‘We face existential challenges with climate change, food insecurity, conflict, health, and energy among others.
‘‘We look to Portugal as an influential country and partner to play an important role in helping to pull the world back from the brink.’’
President Buhari expressed gratitude to the Portuguese president for helping to secure financial support for Africa from the European Union and the International Monetary Union while he was the EU’s president.
Highlighting that this year marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Nigerian leader said:
‘‘We are delighted that we can count Portugal as a valued and reliable friend and partner.
‘‘We share the same democratic values and look to increase and broaden cooperation in various fields at the bilateral and multilateral levels.’’
More than 80 representatives from Nigerian public and private sector businesses, agencies, and organisations will attend the Nigeria-Portugal Business and Investment Forum, the President added.