In line with President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda, Nigeria is attempting to strengthen its bilateral ties with the United States.
This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja’s 248th U.S. Independence Anniversary Dinner Tuesday night.
According to the minister, strengthening connections between the United States and Nigeria will strengthen their long-standing friendship and collaboration.
He mentioned that one of the main goals of the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy was the signing of the Nigeria-United States Binational Cooperation.
In the presence of Amb. Janet Olisa, Director of Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar stated that bilateral relations between the United States and Nigeria “have been nurtured over the years” through a number of cooperative efforts that have reinforced the bonds.
“Since our independence, we have been two nations that have continued to watch our friendship, bond, and cooperation closely.
“One of the major developments that happened this year was the Nigeria-U.S. Binational Cooperation agreement, and it is a testament of how important and cordial our relationship is.
“The Secretary of State just left Nigeria not too long ago. And to ensure that we had a smooth running, the Deputy Secretary of State, who had just been confirmed, hurried to Nigeria to ensure that we had a very successful Binational,” Tuggar said.
The minister noted that both countries were working on a few other agreements and cooperating toward strengthening them.
“We are also looking into security, which is significant to Africa as a continent, particularly Nigeria.
“We are looking at strengthening the security bond between us; we are thankful for all the security cooperation that we are receiving,” he said.
“We are also grateful that in the Ministry of Health, we’ve been able to get some collaborations in all the HIV/AIDS programmes.
“That is the bond of friendship, as we welcome the incoming ambassador, Richard Mills. We know he’s going to have a wonderful time here.
“I must say that we Nigerians are a people that have always understood the importance of nationhood.
“Nationhood is key to us and for that our security cannot be taken for granted. So I wish you all a very fruitful celebration and we join you to say Happy Independence,” the minister added.
Earlier, Amb. Mills described both nations as proud federal republics that are dedicated to liberal democracy. The U.S. Declaration of Independence, which was written 248 years ago, is a belief that they both hold, he continued. Every American and Nigerian citizen, in his opinion, is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
“As I settle into Abuja and into my role as the 22nd U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, I look forward to meeting many of you and working together to strengthen our ties,” he said.
