Nigeria Expresses Readiness To Enhance Relations With Qatar
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has promised to enhance its relations in trade and investment with Qatar.
Nigeria and Qatar enjoy close affinity since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and Nigeria, according to the Ambassador of Nigeria to Qatar, Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed, is committed to enhancing its relations with Qatar.
A press statement signed by the spokesperson of the Embassy of Nigeria in Qatar, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ambassador stated this while speaking at a reception held to celebrate the 62nd Independence Day of Nigeria in Qatar.
The Nigerian envoy said that both countries have continued to enjoy cordial relations and support for each other at both bilateral and multilateral levels occasioned by the openness, warmth and support of the government and people of Qatar under the wise leadership of the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The envoy said that the relations between the two countries have resulted in several high-level visits from both sides, the peak of which was the February 2016 state visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to Qatar and the visit by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Nigeria in April 2019.
He said the embassy is working on several programmes in cooperation with the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) to showcase the cultural diversity of Nigeria through arts and artefacts.
He thanked Qatar’s leadership and humanitarian institutions, especially Qatar Charity, Qatar Foundation and Education for their support towards Nigeria’s healthcare, shelter, potable water and education sectors.
He also praised Qatar for its role in promoting global peace and harmony.
Speaking on hosting of FIFA World Cup 2022, Ahmed said all eyes and minds of fans are now on Qatar for the game which is barely 49 days away expressing hope that with the sense of dedication, energy and resources invested in the preparatory process, Qatar is adequately ready to host the world.
He said many Nigerian fans will add colour to the historic sports fiesta and thanked the leadership as well as the people and government of Qatar for providing opportunities to Nigerian expatriates to play their role in the continuous development of Qatar.
The event was attended by Qatari Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, who represented the host Government; the Director of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, members of the Diplomatic Corps; captains of Industry, leadership of the Nigerian Community in Qatar and friends of the Embassy.
