Nigeria has pledged to strengthen its relationship with São Tomé and Príncipe, with greater cooperation expected in maritime security, trade, investment and the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ).
The commitment was made by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Matawalle congratulated Vila Nova on his re-election and commended the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for conducting what he described as a peaceful, credible and transparent election.
He said the outcome reflected the confidence of the people in Vila Nova’s leadership, while commending the government, National Electoral Commission, political parties and citizens for strengthening democratic institutions in the country.
President Tinubu, in a message delivered by Matawalle, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the longstanding friendship between the two countries and called for deeper cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
“Nigeria values the longstanding friendship between our two countries. I therefore look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest,” Tinubu said.
Matawalle also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace, security and development in the Gulf of Guinea, stressing the country’s readiness to re-establish and strengthen closer ties with São Tomé and Príncipe for mutual benefit.
The inauguration, held at the country’s Parliament Building, brought together several African and European leaders and other dignitaries.
Among those present were President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, Mozambique’s Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy, Angola’s Foreign Minister Téte António, who represented the Angolan Head of State, and Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
Matawalle said President Tinubu’s representation at the ceremony reflected the historic ties of friendship, fraternity, solidarity and cooperation that continue to define relations between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe.
