By Deji Abdulwahab
Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Al-Balawi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following the recent targeted attacks.
Al-Balawi, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said that this principled position reflected the depth of the longstanding bilateral relations between the Kingdom and Nigeria.
He said that it would be held in high regards by the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The envoy said that since assuming duties in Nigeria, he has received strong support and appreciation from Nigerian officials.
He said this underscored the distinguished standing the Kingdom enjoys with both the government and the people of Nigeria, emphasising that “the Kingdom reciprocates these sentiments of respect and esteem.”
He said that his more than 25 years of diplomatic experience — nearly half of which has been devoted to African affairs — would further strengthen and advance bilateral relations across various sectors.
“Saudi-Nigerian relations are deeply rooted, dating back to 1961, and have continued to evolve steadily.”
He pointed to the close coordination between the two countries in numerous international fora and at the highest levels.
The envoy described the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the largest economy in the Middle East, and Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies.
According to him, both countries represent two pivotal regional economic powers.
This convergence, he noted, opens wide horizons for expanding economic partnerships at both the governmental and private-sector levels.
He said that several agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of economy, trade, and investment were currently being finalised in coordination with the relevant authorities in both countries, in preparation for their signing.
“These are expected to strengthen economic ties, increase Saudi investment in Nigeria, and raise bilateral trade to levels that match the size and strength of both economies.”
According to the envoy, the future of Saudi-Nigerian relations is promising and poised for further growth, driven by the shared will and the wise leadership of both countries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
