President Bola Tinubu has received the Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly.
This comes despite Mali being one of the countries that pulled out of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, following a recent military coup in the West African country.
Tinubu, in a message to the Malian leader, General Assimi Goita, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Mali’s democratic transition and deepening economic ties between the two nations.
According to Tinubu, West African countries are stronger when united.
Receiving the Envoy on Thursday in Abuja, the Nigerian President said, “We should strengthen our bilateral relations, and it is hoped that Mali will achieve its democratic goals. We are open to any support we can render. I want you to see yourself as a member of the family here.
“For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has made its position clear, but no nation can succeed alone. We see Mali as a brother and are ready to collaborate and exchange ideas.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is home for you. When you feel like seeing us, our doors will always be open.”;;
The Ambassador of Mali thanked the President for consistently providing leadership for the sub-region and the continent.
“I wish to convey the fraternal greetings of the Head of State, Gen. Assimi Goïta, and the highest appreciation of the Malian people for the Nigerian leadership and support,”;; he said.
Coulibaly said Nigeria had maintained its leadership role in Africa while acknowledging the Nigerian military’s supply of troops for various UN peace missions on the continent and the subregion.
“The Head of State particularly told me that I was on a mission to the biggest country in Africa. He said he knows it’s not easy, but I should look for solutions as a diplomat. We know that Africans must solve African problems.
He noted, “I appreciate you as a leader and father in Africa.”;;
President Tinubu also received letters of credence from five other envoys, urging closer cooperation to promote global peace, understanding, and prosperity.
Among them were Ambassador Bengt Van Loosdrecht of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele of the United Republic of Tanzania; non-resident Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ambassador Andrey Leonidovich Podelyshev of the Russian Federation; and Ambassador Patrick Egloff of Switzerland.
