Qatar and Nigeria have agreed to enhance their cooperation and partnership in various fields, including education, mining, tourism, and sports. The two countries signed seven agreements on Sunday during the visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Doha, where he met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The agreements cover the areas of education, regulation of employment of workers, establishment of a joint business council, youth and sports, tourism and business events, and combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The documents were signed by the foreign ministers and other officials of both countries in the presence of the two leaders.
President Tinubu praised the good relations between Qatar and Nigeria, stressing the mutual interest to develop them to higher levels, especially in light of the abundant opportunities and incentives on both sides. He invited Qatari investors to explore the potential of Nigeria’s sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, and tourism.
The Emir of Qatar expressed his openness to President Tinubu’s investment push, recalling his visit to Nigeria in 2019, which reflected his belief in Nigeria as an important and strategic ally. He said that Qatar has made fruitful investments around the world by studying the opportunities and investing in the commonwealth of its people. He promised to send a team of officials to Nigeria after Ramadan to advance the discussions on the actionable investment opportunities.
The two leaders also discussed key regional and international issues and developments, especially the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the war on Gaza. They affirmed their support for the Palestinian cause and the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The two countries have established diplomatic relations since 1981 and have exchanged several high-level visits and delegations. They also cooperate in various regional and international forums, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations.
The visit also reflects the growing role of Qatar as a global player and a mediator in various conflicts and crises. Qatar has hosted several peace talks and humanitarian initiatives, such as the Afghan peace process, the Sudanese peace agreement, and the Qatari Red Crescent Society’s aid to Gaza. Qatar is also preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2022, which will be the first in the Middle East and Africa.
The visit of President Tinubu to Qatar is a sign of hope and optimism for the future of the two countries and their peoples, who aspire to achieve more prosperity and stability in a turbulent world.
Source: PunchÂ
