European Union Pledges Stronger Ties with Nigeria
The European Union (EU) has pledged to deepen bilateral ties with Nigeria across security, trade, and key economic sectors amid growing global uncertainty.
Mrs Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made the pledge on Monday during a meeting with Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence.
She said discussions focused on expanding cooperation in security, trade, investment, and critical raw materials.
“We are very like-minded partners, the European Union and Nigeria, and today we explored new ways to collaborate across key sectors,” Kallas said.
She noted that the evolving global geopolitical environment necessitated that partners committed to a rules-based international system strengthen cooperation.
“The global security situation is very serious, and countries that value the international rules-based system must continue to work together,” she added.
Kallas said both sides also discussed opportunities to deepen engagement in cybersecurity and broader security cooperation to address emerging threats.
“We are looking at enhanced cooperation in security and cybersecurity, where we believe there is significant potential for stronger collaboration,” she said.
She further highlighted prospects for increased trade and investment, noting that the EU was keen on expanding economic engagement with Nigeria.
“On issues of investment and trade, there is scope for more collaboration, particularly in areas that support sustainable growth,” she said, adding that critical raw materials remained an area of mutual interest.
Earlier, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the EU across multiple sectors.
He expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support, especially in development, security, and economic cooperation.
He said Nigeria remained open to partnerships that would promote shared prosperity, stability, and sustainable development.
The meeting also had in attendance Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning
Elsewhere, the European Union yesterday announced a significant expansion of its strategic partnership with Nigeria, unveiling a €290 million investment package under its Global Gateway Strategy to support digital infrastructure, healthcare manufacturing, agricultural value chains, and migration management.
The announcement was made during the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja and co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.
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