Nigeria, Egypt Move to Deepen Bilateral Ties

"Closer collaboration among African countries was necessary to harness the continent's vast human and natural resources for sustainable development." Goronyo 

.... Describes the relationship between Nigeria and Egypt as longstanding, cordial and mutually beneficial, saying both countries shared historical and cultural ties.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has pledged Nigeria's continued support for stronger bilateral relations and cooperation with Egypt.

Goronyo gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja when he received the outgoing Egyptian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Mohammed Ibrahim, and his successor, Col. Mohamad Mosaad, during a courtesy visit.

The Minister described the relationship between Nigeria and Egypt as longstanding, cordial and mutually beneficial, saying both countries shared historical and cultural ties.

He commended Ibrahim for his contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries during his tenure and welcomed Mosaad, assuring him of the ministry's support in the discharge of his duties.

According to a statement issued by the minister's Special Assistant on Media, Abdullahi Mohammed, Goronyo said Nigeria-Egypt relations had continued to gain momentum under President Bola Tinubu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

He said both countries were exploring cooperation in trade, agriculture, tourism, security, education and economic development.

The minister said closer collaboration among African countries was necessary to harness the continent's vast human and natural resources for sustainable development.

He expressed optimism that the Memoranda of Understanding and other agreements between Nigeria and Egypt would translate into tangible benefits for citizens of both countries.

“We will continue to provide the necessary support to enable you to discharge your responsibilities effectively,” Goronyo said.

“Our doors remain open, and we will continue to support one another for the progress of our two countries and for the benefit of humanity.”

Earlier, Ibrahim thanked the minister for receiving the delegation and expressed confidence that the existing relationship between Nigeria and Egypt would be further strengthened under his successor.

He also disclosed that Egypt had secured approval to establish the position of Deputy Defence Attaché in Nigeria, describing the development as an indication of the importance Egypt attached to its bilateral and military relationship with the country.

Mosaad, in his remarks, pledged to work towards deepening cooperation between Nigeria and Egypt, particularly in areas of collaboration, investment and exchange of capabilities.

He said Nigeria and Egypt, as two major African countries, had a responsibility to contribute to Africa's development through stronger partnerships.

The meeting ended with renewed assurances of continued cooperation and mutual support between the two countries.

Pix. 1: The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., receiving a special gift symbolising the rich heritage and ancient civilisation of Egypt from the incoming Egyptian Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohamed Mosaad, during a courtesy visit to the Minister in his office.

Pix. 2: Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, in a cheerful moment with the outgoing Egyptian Defence Attaché, Colonel Muhammad Ibrahim, during a farewell courtesy visit to the Minister’s office in Abuja.

Pix. 3: Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, in a warm diplomatic engagement with the outgoing Egyptian Defence Attaché, Colonel Muhammad Ibrahim, and his successor, Colonel Mohamed Mousaad, reaffirming the strong ties between Nigeria and Egypt.

Pix 4: The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., alongside the outgoing and incoming Egyptian Defence Attachés, Colonel Muhammad Ibrahim and Colonel Mohamed Mousaad, during their courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja.