By Maureen Okon
Mr Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, says the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and France is founded on equality, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests.
Fonbaustier said this at the French National Day celebration held on Tuesday night in Abuja.
He said that the partnership between both countries reflected on the core values of the French Republic which is based on liberty, equality, and fraternity.
According to him, the partnership is between equals, adding that Nigeria and France relate as partners, not as donor and recipient.
“The partnership between Nigeria and France is, in reality, not just in words, it is a partnership between equals.
“It means avoiding prejudice, not imposing anything, and not interfering. it means listening to each other, communicating openly, and making decisions together,” he said.
On economic relations between both countries, Fonbaustier said that both countries were committed to economic and social development, job creation, and environmental protection.
He cited ongoing business engagements through the France-Nigeria Business Council, chaired by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a prominent Nigerian investor.
He also cited the recent partnerships between Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice.
He commended Abdulsamad Rabiu’s initiative to establish a “House of African Worlds” in Paris.
The ambassador further highlighted cultural cooperation, referencing Nigeria’s hosting of the Création Africa forum in Lagos in October 2024, which brought together thousands of African artists and entrepreneurs.
The envoy said that Nigeria and France shared commitment to democracy, rule of law, freedom of expression, and gender equality.
According to him, the Embassy of France in Nigeria works directly with women, youth, and persons with disabilities to support economic and social empowerment.
Fonbaustier said that France, through the French Development Agency (AFD), was supporting projects in Northern Nigeria on agricultural value chains and market access, in collaboration with ECOWAS.
He said that both countries valued strategic autonomy and take responsibility in the global security architecture.
“Our pursuit of freedom is always accompanied by a sense of responsibility.
“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,” he said.
The envoy also stressed the need for a strong Nigeria and a united continent to combat terrorism.
He welcomed increased cooperation between Nigeria and Benin in that regard.
“The Nigeria-France partnership fits into a broader Europe-Africa strategic relationship based on rule of law and global stability.
“The renewed Africa-France relationship is, in a sense, made in Nigeria. President Emmanuel Macron spent six formative months in Nigeria as a student 24 years ago,” he said.
He announced that Macron would undertake a state visit to Nigeria later in the year.
“Together, the two presidents will assess the progress of both countries’ roadmap and outline the key elements of their relationship for the years to come,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman