Tinubu receives Egyptian, Pakistan envoys, seeks collaboration to end violent extremism

President Bola Tinubu on Friday received ambassadors from Pakistan, Greece, and Egypt posted to Nigeria.

While accepting their letters of credence at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu also sought the collaboration of the envoys with the Nigerian government to stop terrorism.

Speaking with Sohail Khan, the high commissioner of Pakistan, the president said there is a need for global cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism.

“We must do more to stop extremists. We need to enhance our collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge in these areas,” Tinubu told Khan, who is also a retired major-general.

“As a government, we will keep an open-door policy with countries and development partners on enhancing cooperation in security, economy, education, and the information and communication technology sector, where the minister is doing very well. How can we improve our bilateral relationship? We must do more.”

Tinubu discussed the security situation in the Sahel with Mohamed Ahmed, the Egyptian ambassador.

The president acknowledged Egypt’s efforts in attempting to broker a truce in Gaza and stressed the importance of stability in the region.

Tinubu said Nigeria and Egypt have collaborated on key international priorities, including promoting regional peace, security, and stability, since establishing diplomatic relations in 1961 and expressed optimism for stronger bilateral relations.

In a separate meeting with Athanasios Kotsionis, ambassador of Greece, Tinubu sought firmer economic ties with the European country.

“The economic situation in Africa and Europe is still very unbalanced. We should build on the opportunities from our challenges and strengthen relations between the two countries,” Tinubu said.

“What I expect is an improvement in the relationship between both countries, and I look forward to us working on that.”

The president said his administration is about renewed hope, adding that the country will continue to play its role as a stabiliser on the continent.