Florin Talapan, ambassador of Romania to Nigeria, says his country will increase scholarships for prospective Nigerian students.
Talapan spoke on Friday when he presented his letter of credence to President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
“Nigeria is a second home to me, and I have lived here for many years. I have to give back every good thing I have received from Nigeria,” a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, quoted the ambassador as saying.
“My country is looking towards a strategic alliance with Nigeria in the areas of education, energy, and defence.”
Tinubu also received letters of credence from Lincoln Downer and Leilani Bin-Juda, high commissioners of Jamaica and Australia, respectively.
During separate meetings, Tinubu assured the ambassadors of Nigeria’s support for a rewarding stay.
The president reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy toward strengthening existing economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations.
In his conversation with Downer, the president spoke of Nigeria’s readiness to reactivate energy cooperation with Jamaica, particularly in the context of climate change and the utilisation of gas as a transition fuel.
”The essence of a relationship is to understand one another. With Nigeria’s energetic and talented youth, we have a cultural affinity with Jamaica and a lot of potential for cooperation in the areas of culture and tourism that will benefit the youth populations of both countries,” Tinubu said.
The high commissioner conveyed his prime minister’s willingness for a relationship with Nigeria and announced plans for a Jamaican business delegation to visit the country later this year.
Downer also invited Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in Jamaica’s special economic zones.
Speaking with Bin-Juda, Tinubu acknowledged the shared values and interests between Nigeria and Australia.
He called for more cooperation in mining, given Australia’s leading position in iron ore export.
“The Minister of Solid Minerals was in Australia recently, and we look forward to further collaboration in this area. We are also ready to deepen our mutual cooperation in the area of education,” Tinubu said.
In response, the Australian high commissioner expressed readiness for further collaboration.
He extended an invitation to Tinubu to consider visiting Australia during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.
