Foreign news
UAE-Nigeria Bilateral Relations Advancing Rapidly For Economic Growth – Envoy
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Salem AlShamsi said both his country and Nigeria’s relations is rapidly advancing across all fields to boost their economies.
The ambassador said this at the UAE 53rd National Day celebration on Wednesday in Abuja.
The celebration, with theme, “Year of Sustainability’’ was declared by the President, Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyan.
Also as part of the country’s sustainable efforts, it will be hosting Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week from Jan. 12 to Jan. 18, 2025.
The UAE national celebration, known as the Eid Al Eithad in Arabic, is a day to celebrate the country’s heritage of deep-rooted tradition.
The remembrance of a shared union has allowed for rich cultural diversity in the UAE.
The envoy said that 2024 had witnessed the resumption of UAE visa issuance, the return of Emirates Airlines and the launch of Thuraya services by Al Yah Satellite Communication in Nigeria.
He also said that the American Hospital Dubai Offices in had been opened Lagos and Abuja.
“These developments are part of the ongoing efforts to further strengthen the robust economic ties between our nations.
“Our bilateral, non-oil trade grew by 22 per cent between 2022 and 2023, rising from 2.2 billion dollars to 2.7 billion dollars. The UAE has also provided 22.3 million dollars in humanitarian aid.
“In this context, the Noor Dubai Foundation launched an eye treatment campaign in Abuja, treating over 3, 000 people, continuing its efforts since 2019, during which its has treated over 9 million people.
“We look forward to a robust future while being proud of our achievements so far, ” he said.
He said a personal point of pride for him was the fact that the UAE relationship with Nigeria was institutional based on the respect and mutual support in all fields,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the high point of the event was when two people won an all expense paid trip to the UAE sponsored by Emirates Airlines.
NAN
Foreign news
Pakistan Moves to Deepen Diplomatic, Economic Relations With Nigeria
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has called for deeper diplomatic and economic ties with the Nigerian government to foster development for both countries.
Mr Rana Ihsaan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during his working vist to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the visiting Coordinator held a closed-door meeting with Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
After the meeting, he said that both both sides had agreed on deepening relations in the areas of trade and commerce, among others.
Ihsaan said that both countries must see the need to accelerate efforts towards a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
He said that Pakistan had already submitted a draft BTA and was awaiting Nigeria’s response.
According to him, discussions centered on easing visa processes, expanding educational exchanges, and strengthening Cooperation in sectors such as Minerals, Youth training, and Defence were highlighted.
Ihsaan said that Pakistan had already implemented visa-on-arrival for Nigerians at no cost, and urged Nigeria to reciprocate to enhance people-to-people ties.
He stressed the importance of high-level engagements between both nations, describing Nigeria and Pakistan as very similar countries with large populations, youthful demographics, and vast economic potentials.
“Deeper collaboration will unlock opportunities in trade, education and investment, while further solidifying long-standing diplomatic relations,” he said.
He said that aside from visiting the foriegn Minister and other top government officials in Nigeria, he was also in the country to attend the on-going West Africa Beauty Exhibition holding in Lagos.
He described the exhibition as one of the continent’s largest cosmetic fairs, adding that he led a delegation of 19 Pakistani business people exploring Nigeria’s estimated 10 million dollar beauty and cosmetics market.
Ihsaan said that Nigeria was a gateway to Africa, adding that Pakistani products, like cosmetics, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Food items and Sports goods were already gaining traction in the country.
He encouraged Pakistani exhibitors to establish offices, Warehouses and logistics partnerships to strengthen their foothold in the Nigerian market.
Ihsaan further addressed concerns from Nigerian businesses on the ease of doing business in Pakistan.
He said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had been supporting Nigerian participants at major exhibitions to achieve the ease of doing business.
“The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) serves as a one-stop platform for Nigerians interested in investing in Pakistan,” he said
Culled from NAN
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