President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received Letters of Credence from the new High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Mr. Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms. Phild Nani Kereng, and assured them of working to improve balance of trade with the two countries.
”Diversification of the economy is uppermost on my Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria. We must look at how we can improve the balance of trade with Malaysia,” the President particularly told the Malaysian envoy.
President Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerian students find studying in Malaysia attractive, adding that Nigeria looks forward to their contributions to the development of critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and ICT.
The Malaysian High Commissioner said that ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2025, Malaysia is looking forward to strengthening relations with Nigeria.
”We are pleased with our cooperation in the areas of education. We are also keen on working with Nigerian partners in the financial services sector,” the High Commissioner said.
In his audience with the Botswana High Commissioner, the President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop a robust cultural and economic cooperation with the Southern African country.
Acknowledging Botswana’s progress on livestock development, the President said he had received briefing from a committee established to create a ministry of livestock development in Nigeria.
”The committee is at work, and their report will be ready in the next two weeks. Africa’s solution is in our hands. Nobody will help us if we do not help ourselves,” the President said.
President Tinubu described President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as a good friend and extended his appreciation to the Botswana President for attending his inauguration.
High Commissioner Kereng said Botswana is committed to being a leader in the production of livestock vaccines and is prepared to partner Nigeria in this area.
She expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, adding that young people from Botswana had a lot to learn from Nigeria’s youth-driven creative economy.
”My coming to Nigeria fulfills my President’s vision of improved relations with Nigeria, and I will work very hard to achieve these objectives,” the High Commissioner said.
