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Nigeria, Egypt strengthen diplomatic ties, cooperation - PUNCH
By Gift Habib
Nigeria and Egypt have reached an agreement to enhance their diplomatic relationship and establish a comprehensive partnership aimed at addressing shared challenges and fostering development.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued in Abuja by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, on Sunday.
The agreement was the outcome of the third round of political consultations held in Cairo between Tuggar and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty.
Both ministers emphasised the importance of mutual respect for each country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The Nigerian delegation included Minister of Water Resources, Professor Joseph Utsev and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.
Discussions during the consultations focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as regional security, economic development, and governance.
Both nations pledged to collaborate on enhancing the African Union’s role in addressing continental issues and advancing the objectives of Agenda 2063.
They also agreed to share counter-terrorism strategies and work together to combat the growing threats of terrorism and extremism.
The two countries committed to conflict resolution efforts across Africa, emphasizing the need for peacebuilding and sustainable development.
The statement said, “Both foreign ministers agreed to elevate the relationship between Egypt and Nigeria to a comprehensive partnership, emphasising mutual respect for each nation’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Both countries also expressed commitment to intensify coordination on regional and international issues, aiming to strengthen the African Union’s role in addressing continental challenges and promoting integration.
“They also pledged to work together to advance democracy, good governance and the objectives of Agenda 2063.
“Egypt and Nigeria agreed to enhance security cooperation by sharing experiences in implementing comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies, while recognising the shared threat of terrorism and extremism.”
On the economic front, they acknowledged the potential for increased bilateral trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure.
Plans to establish a Nigeria-Egypt Chamber of Commerce by 2025 were also discussed, with a formal launch expected during the next round of ministerial consultations in Abuja in 2026.
Recent agreements to waive visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders and adjust visa fees for citizens were highlighted as steps to strengthen people-to-people connections.
The statement announced that the next ministerial-level Joint Committee meeting is scheduled for late 2025.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, with Egypt being the first African country to establish ties with Nigeria.
