The Nigerian president said Thursday that the African continent faces “existential challenges” due to climate change and food insecurity, among others, and thanked Portugal for helping to channel funds to the region.
We face existential challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, conflicts, energy and health, among others”, said Muhammadu Buhari, at the end of the meeting with the Portuguese president, held this Thursday in Lisbon.
“We see Portugal as an influential country and a partner with an important role to play in bringing the world to the right place”, added the head of state of the most populous country in Africa, and also the largest sub-Saharan economy.
In the speech, without the right to ask questions and made after Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s statement, at the Belém Palace, Muhammadu Buhari highlighted Portugal’s role in defending African interests in international organizations: “We are very grateful with the Portuguese Government for the important role it played during the presidency of the European Union and in obtaining financial support from the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Africa”, said the Head of State.
Muhammadu Buhari and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa then attended the economic forum taking place this morning, in which “more than 80 public and private sector companies, agencies and organizations” are represented, according to the Nigerian leader.
During the visit, “10 agreements and memorandums of understanding will be signed in areas such as the creation of an Atlantic research center, political consultations, diplomatic training, cooperation, investment promotion and cooperation between chambers of commerce, economic development and digital economy.” said the Nigerian head of state.
Portugal established diplomatic relations with Nigeria 46 years ago and this was the first visit by a head of state from this African country.
“With this visit, we are optimistic that relations will rise to a new level,” President Buhari concluded.
Source: Observadora
