Tinubu, UK PM agree to strengthen bilateral ties during phone call

President Bola Tinubu and Keir Starmer, prime minister of the UK, have reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as Commonwealth partners.

Starmer spoke with Tinubu over the phone on Wednesday, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.

“The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his recent election victory, and the Prime Minister commended the President as Nigeria marks twenty-five years of unbroken democracy,” the statement reads.

“The Prime Minister reflected on the important relationship between the UK and Nigeria, grounded in cooperation on trade and security as Commonwealth partners, with long-standing ties between our people.

“The leaders welcomed this moment as an opportunity to reset and strengthen this relationship, working closely together to drive economic growth and prosperity between our countries, including through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.”

Starmer became prime minister of the UK last month after the Labour Party secured the requisite 326 parliamentary seats — unseating the Conservative Party at N0 10 for the first time in 14 years.

Congratulating Starmer after his win, Tinubu described the UK as a “model of democracy”.

The president said he looked forward to working with Starmer to build a safer and more prosperous future for the people of both countries.