Today, I welcomed Vice President Francia Márquez of Colombia to the Aso Villa. Her words about returning to “the land of our ancestors” remind us that no ocean can separate a shared heritage.
He said history may have created divisions between Africa and Latin America, but Nigeria is committed to fostering new collaboration and building connections across sectors, adding that “Our shared history can lead us to a brighter future of mutual prosperity”.
VP Kashim Shettima and his team have done an excellent job laying the groundwork for this cooperation. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced, and I support every aspect of the agreements reached.
Particularly with Colombia, Nigeria’s recent agreement with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate this.
Nigeria brings the energy of a young, skilled population; Colombia brings opportunity and heritage. We must keep collaborating to drive inclusive growth, social justice, and stronger South–South cooperation.
As Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria will continue to lead in forging these new partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean.
No ocean is wide enough to divide us any longer.
~ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
