Paris, 23 August 2023 (TDI): Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, engaged in a significant telephone conversation today with her recently appointed Nigerian counterpart, Mr. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The dialogue between the two diplomats underscored the commitment to regional cooperation and the strengthening of bilateral relations between France and Nigeria.
A key focus of the conversation was the regional and international issues that both nations are vested in, with a particular emphasis on the evolving situation in Niger.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also holds the position of Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), plays a vital role in the region’s dynamics.
Given President Tinubu’s leadership within ECOWAS, the ministers deliberated extensively on efforts to address regional challenges, particularly the situation in Niger, where an attempted coup threatened the constitutional order under President Bazoum.
During the call, Minister Colonna reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for ECOWAS’s endeavors to restore stability and uphold the constitutional framework in Niger following the coup attempt.
Furthermore, the conversation marked an opportunity to reaffirm the shared desire to bolster bilateral relations between France and Nigeria.
Both ministers expressed their commitment to cultivating stronger ties between the two nations.
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Notably, the recent visit of President Tinubu to Paris in June for the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact added momentum to this cooperative spirit.
The summit served as a platform for discussions on global financial matters and provided a valuable opportunity for dialogue on various shared interests.
As the conversation concluded, both ministers conveyed their optimism for the continued growth of collaborative efforts and mutual understanding between France and Nigeria.
The region has been facing political crises since the last few weeks, especially after the military coup in Niger, which caused concern among the nations of the world.
