President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigeria and ECOWAS member states are implementing strategies to stop the coups in the region.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Buhari spoke on Thursday while receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of Switzerland, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of South Sudan at the State House.
He called for the cooperation and collaboration of the countries to overcome the challenges in West Africa.
President Buhari invited friendly countries to “support efforts to address the problem of insecurity, the fight against corruption, the diversification of the economy and our efforts to promote good governance.”
“As Nigerians prepare to elect another government in the general election on February 25, 2023, President Buhari has renewed his call on representatives of foreign governments not to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
“I urge you to be guided by diplomatic practice to ensure that your activities remain within the confines of your profession as you oversee the preparation for the elections and the conduct of the general elections.
“I wish them every success in their respective tours of duty, and at the same time, I encourage them to take time to enjoy the unique nature and culture available to them as they travel our country,” he said.
The President told the ambassadors that Nigeria undoubtedly enjoys very cordial and mutually beneficial bilateral relations and cooperation with their respective countries, commending the role of their predecessors who demonstrated diligence and commitment in promoting these causes.
“Therefore, I am certain that your appointments are deliberate in building on the successes of your immediate predecessors to advance our relations to significant and enviable heights.
“As you assume your diplomatic responsibilities, I hope you will appreciate the political, socioeconomic and cultural diversities that are the hallmarks of the Nigerian nation.
“I encourage you to make friends and take the time to network across the country, including engaging with the public and private sectors to explore areas of mutual benefit to your respective countries and Nigeria.
“Sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, local manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, transportation, and solid minerals are of primary interest to us and foreign investors.
“This will allow us to collectively strive to resuscitate the economies of all our countries in the post-pandemic global recovery processes.”
The Ambassadors who presented their Credentials are Nicolas Lang, Switzerland; Annika Hahn Englund, Sweden; Peter Ryan, Ireland; Kitiisak Klomchit, Thailand; Nicolas Nyouky, Senegal and David Chaot from South Sudan.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Swiss Ambassador assured the Nigerian President that they would “exercise their functions as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary with dedication, to the best of their knowledge and belief, and for the mutual benefit of our countries.”
“Wishing Nigeria peaceful, free and fair elections, the ambassadors expressed their goodwill to the president in his remaining days in office.
“We are very aware of the importance of Nigeria for the well-being of the entire African continent, its role in international politics and its weight in the world economy.
“Each of us is proud to represent his country and its interests in this great Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ambassador Lang said.
