‘We Must Do More To Stop Extremists,’ Tinubu Receives Greek, Egyptian, Pakistan Envoys
President Bola Tinubu on Friday received the envoys from Pakistan, Greece and Egypt, charging them on collaborating with the Nigerian government in stopping terrorism.
Receiving their letters of credence at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa as a bastion of peace, saying the nation will continue to play its role as a stabilizer on the continent.
He underscored the need for global cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
“We must do more to stop extremists. We need to enhance our collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge in these areas,” Tinubu charged the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major-General Sohail Ahmed Khan (retired).
“As a government, we will keep an open-door policy with countries and development partners on enhancing cooperation on security, economy, education, and the information and communication technology sector where the Minister is doing very well. How can we improve our bilateral relationship? We must do more.”
President Tinubu described the Ambassador’s military background as invaluable for exchanging ideas to expand security and defence cooperation.
Addressing the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Ahmed, President Tinubu emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to promoting global peace and stability through collaboration within international organizations, such as the United Nations.
He said that since establishing diplomatic relations in 1961, Nigeria and Egypt have collaborated on key international priorities, including promoting regional peace, security, and stability.
The discussions at the meeting also touched on the situation in the Sahel and Sudan.
Acknowledging Egypt’s role towards a truce in the crisis in Gaza, President Tinubu said: “We need to do more. Stability in the region is of paramount importance.”
In a separate meeting with Ambassador Athanasios Kotsionis of Greece, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to an open-door policy that encourages collaboration and progress for the benefit of all.
He restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Greece and building bridges of cooperation to address common challenges.
The President assured the Greek Ambassador of Nigeria’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to socio-economic growth and development.
“Nigeria and Greece have good historic ties. We have shared priorities, including promoting democracy, and there is room to expand cooperation.
“The economic situation in Africa and Europe is still very unbalanced. We should build on the opportunities from our challenges and strengthen relations between the two countries.
“What I expect is an improvement in the relationship between both countries, and I look forward to us working on that.
“Our government is about renewed hope. Nigeria will continue to play its role as a stabilizer on the continent,” Tinubu said.
