Nigeria and Brazil took a significant step towards strengthening their bilateral ties as a high-level delegation from Brazil, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Viera, arrived in Abuja for a visit aimed at boosting cooperation between the two nations.
The visit marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations, which date back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
During the visit, the Brazilian delegation is expected to engage in high-level talks with Nigerian officials, exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure development.
The two countries are also expected to sign several agreements aimed at strengthening their bilateral ties.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, noted that Brazil was the only Latin American country to attend Nigeria’s independence celebration, underscoring the strong historical ties between the two nations.
“We share a lot in common, from our size and economies to our population and culture. This visit is a natural progression of our partnership,” he stated.
The minister also highlighted the complementarities between Nigeria and Brazil, citing their robust engagement since independence.
He referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Brazil last year, where he attended the G20 summit and engaged in activities to strengthen bilateral ties.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the significance of the visit, saying, “We welcome you and your delegation warmly, and we’re happy to see you here in Abuja.
This visit is a continuation of our efforts to strengthen the bond between our two countries.”
In response, the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mauro Viera, recalled his first meeting with Nigerian officials in Dubai in 2023 and the subsequent meeting between President Lula and President Tinubu in Addis Ababa in 2024.
Viera praised President Tinubu’s participation in the G20 summit in Brazil last November, valuing Nigeria’s contributions to the forum.
He also extended an invitation from President Lula for President Tinubu to visit Brazil in the near future.
This visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, building on previous engagements since President Lula took office in January 2023.
The Brazilian minister emphasized the importance of strategic dialogue and exploring deeper relations in various areas, including culture, economics, cooperation, education, and more.
He highlighted the close contact between Brazilians and Nigerians, as well as the significant presence of Nigerians in Brazilian society and culture.
He thanked the Nigerian government for hosting the Brazilian delegation and expressed his enthusiasm for a productive day of work to further develop bilateral relations.
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Brazil and Nigeria, with potential collaborations in trade, investment, and cultural exchange on the horizon.
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