By Fortune Abang

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has extolled the government and people of Senegal on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

Tuggar also congratulated his counterpart, the Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs of Senegal, Mrs Yassine Fall.

“As Senegal marks another year of sovereignty and progress, Nigeria celebrates with you and commends the enduring spirit of resilience, unity and democratic values that defines the Senegalese people.

“The longstanding bilateral relations between our two nations, rooted in shared history, cultural ties and mutual cooperation, continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and solidarity within the West African subregion and across the African continent.

“Nigeria remains committed to deepening collaboration with Senegal in the areas of mutual interest, including trade, security, education, and regional integration under the auspices of ECOWAS and the African Union.

“We applaud Senegal’s contributions to peace, security and development in Africa and look forward to even greater achievements in the years ahead.

“Therefore, on this special day, we reaffirm Nigeria’s unwavering solidarity and commitment to fostering stronger ties with Senegal for the collective prosperity of our people.”

The day is often celebrated yearly to mark the transfer of power agreement signed between Senegal and France on April 4, 1960.

This was after Senegal and the French Soudan merged in January 1959 to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on June 20, 1960. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu