By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Vice-President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, on Saturday arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for a three-day official visit to Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Colombian vice-president’s official visit to Nigeria is expected to deepen diplomatic and strategic relations between Nigeria and Colombia.

The visit will also enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including governance, trade, agriculture, energy, education and security, among others.

The historic engagement will strengthen ties in trade, agriculture, education, energy, culture, and women’s empowerment, opening a new chapter in South-South collaboration.

Accompanied by her spouse, Mr Rafael Ocoró, she was received on arrival by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; and that of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Others were the Minister of State, FCT, Mariya Bunkure, Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar and other senior government officials.

The Colombian VP is also accompanied on the visit by Cabinet Ministers, top government officials and business sector leaders who are set to engage their Nigerian counterparts in discussions around key areas aimed at strengthening ties between both countries.

A key highlight of the visit is the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in strategic areas of the economy, including women empowerment, trade, aviation, manufacturing, agriculture, and culture, among others.

The visit will feature a plenary session to be graced by both Vice-Presidents and the Nigeria-Colombia Business Forum; government to government bilateral meetings.

NAN reports that other side events include high-level business sector meetings hosted by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as a Summit on Artificial Intelligence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)