French President, Macron to embark on state visit to Nigeria

French President, Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to undertake a state visit to Nigeria, describing the trip as an opportunity to deepen the strategic partnership between both countries.

The announcement was made on Tuesday night by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during the celebration of France’s National Day in Abuja.

According to Fonbaustier, the visit, coming two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Paris, will enable both leaders to review the progress of their bilateral roadmap and outline new priorities for cooperation in the years ahead.

“Secondly, a scoop. I am pleased and honored to announce that, two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State visit to Paris, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, will travel to Nigeria for another State visit.

“Together, our two Presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come. These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples,” he said.

The ambassador said the France, Nigeria relationship is built on equality, mutual respect and non-interference, stressing that both countries engage as equal partners while jointly pursuing their shared interests.

“In a chaotic world searching for meaning, I would like to talk to you about values. I would like to focus on the three values that accompanied the birth of the French Republic: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

““First and foremost, Equality. I say this, and I say it with pride, that the partnership between Nigeria and France is, in reality, not just in words, a partnership between equals.

“This equality among members of the international community is the cornerstone of the United Nations Charter, which Nigeria and France continue to defend, against all odds.

“In our bilateral relationship, this principle has concrete implications. It means avoiding prejudice, not imposing anything, and not interfering. On the contrary, it means listening to each other, communicating openly, and making decisions together.

“I stand before you tonight to say that, together, Nigerians and French people, we fully respect the spirit and profound meaning of this word: Equality. Our common interests are clearly stated and understood,” the envoy stated.

“We want the economic and social development of both our countries, for our citizens, for job creation, and for improving the standards of living, with due respect for the environment, biodiversity, water and air.

“We are working together on agricultural issues, particularly to strengthen food security, in Nigeria of course, but also throughout the region together with ECOWAS.

“I would like to underscore the commitment of the AFD (French Development Agency) in the North, particularly its project on agricultural value chains, which complements another innovative project focused on market access, often in very remote areas.

“There are many other collaborative projects. All of them are shaped jointly,” he stated. 

Fonbaustier also stressed the security cooperation between Nigeria and France, saying both countries remain committed to combating terrorism across the region by supporting nations seeking to strengthen their security capabilities.

“Our two countries have repeatedly demonstrated this, through their unfailing and resolute commitment to the global fight against terrorism.

“In the face of terrorism, which is affecting the entire region, Nigeria and France are working together to assist countries eager to strengthen their capabilities, in order to better combat this scourge that destroys lives, communities and ultimately, our core values.

“The new relationship between Africa and France was, in some way, born in Nigeria or ‘Made in Nigeria’. Because a young man, Emmanuel Macron, spent six significant and formative months in this country while he was a student, 24 years ago.

“He himself admits that this foundational experience inspired the broad outlines of his vision for the continent and his African diplomacy,” he said.