By admin 
President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday that the cordial relations maintained over many years between Nigeria, the Republic of France, the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Denmark should translate into mutual economic benefits for the citizens, especially in key areas of education, healthcare and infrastructure.
The President secured expansion of economic diplomacy at a ceremony at the State House, Abuja, where he received letters of credence from the Ambassador of the French Republic, Marc Fonbaustier; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yu Dunhai.
President Tinubu, who will be on a state visit to France, told the French Ambassador that his friendship with Emmanuel Macron and the diplomatic ties between the two countries should be felt by the citizens.
He urged French support for the country’s ongoing reforms, which aim to strengthen institutions and improve citizens’ livelihoods.
“Macron has been a good friend for many years and I look forward to the state visit in Paris to strengthen our relationship and ensure that our citizens also share in the benefits of diplomacy between the two countries.
“I’m glad that you are not a stranger to Africa because of your background. Nigeria is the largest country on the continent and ECOWAS is headquartered here. We have an open door policy and we want your investors to benefit from this.
“Our cooperation is essential for Africa, ECOWAS and Nigeria. You can always contact us through the Department of State, or through the Chief of Staff to the President,” the President added.
The French Ambassador affirmed the warmth, hospitality and diversity of Nigerian culture and assured that he will spare no effort to scale up the partnership for shared economic prosperity.
“Mr President, I must commend your achievements and express my admiration. You have taken a bold step in the development of the country, and I encourage you to stand tall and do what is right for Nigeria,” Fonbaustier said.
During a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, President Tinubu appreciated the President of the Republic of China, Xi Jinping, for receiving him during his state visit to Beijing and his participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
He urged the envoy to work hard with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to put the signed agreements into practice.
“I enjoyed my visit to China and I especially look forward to the activation of all the agreements we signed, especially on trade and economic progress for both countries.
The President said Nigeria will continue to leverage and build on the Chinese experience, especially in the areas of trade and infrastructure development.
The Chinese ambassador thanked the president for honoring the invitation to visit in September.
“Your visit was a great success and your presence was greatly appreciated. It was a milestone in our bilateral relations. It was important that both countries agreed to improve our bilateral relations. We will continue to explore development pathways that suit Nigeria, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have had relationships for more than half a century. We respect each other and treat each other with equality, and our relations have become increasingly stronger, especially in the fields of economics and trade,” the Chinese ambassador said.
Yu said he has already initiated a number of programs with a number of states on improving yields for rice and yams, a mobile medical outreach to the less fortunate, and educational exchange programs that will improve vocational and technical skills in the country.
“Mr. President, you are a reformer, and our people respect reformers. As you said in your Independence Day speech, Nigerians are tenacious and resilient,” he added.
President Tinubu welcomed the Ambassador of Denmark, adding that he looks forward to better relations.
“Your country is known for promoting democratic values and human rights and we stand ready to work with you. We have seen your commitment to the energy sector in your country and around the world, and we would like to benefit from that.
“We are interested in education, Medicare and areas that directly impact the livelihoods of our people. We have seen the progress of the APM terminal in Lagos, a company from the Kingdom of Denmark. Nigeria is good for business and we want to continue to promote that aspect,” he said.
The Danish ambassador said his country has developed a new strategy to improve relations with Africa, and Nigeria will play a central role in its implementation given its size and influence on the continent.
“We recognize your influence globally and regionally, and we will continue to cooperate and expand relations with Nigeria, especially in the areas of trade and economics,” the ambassador added.