A recent report by the Emirates News Agency sheds light on the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interestingly, the details presented in the Emirates News Agency’s report differ significantly from what was circulated by the Nigerian Presidency.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, stated in a press release that the meeting between the two leaders has led to the immediate lifting of the visa ban that was imposed on Nigerian travelers. Ngelale further announced that both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are set to promptly resume their flight schedules to and from Nigeria without any further delays.
However, the UAE News Agency’s report on the meeting did not mention any of the developments disclosed by the Nigerian President’s Aide.
Below is an excerpt from the statement released by the UAE News Agency:
“President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today met with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is on a working visit to the UAE.
During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his congratulations to Tinubu for assuming the presidency earlier this year. He extended his best wishes for Tinubu’s success in leading Nigeria and its people towards greater progress and prosperity.
His Highness expressed his hope for enhanced collaboration between the UAE and Nigeria, benefitting both nations in areas such as sustainable economic growth, development, energy, and climate action.
The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the upcoming COP28 climate conference scheduled to be held in the UAE later this year. Both parties stressed the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues, including climate change.
His Highness emphasized the UAE’s commitment to strengthening relations with countries that share similar goals of stability, sustainable growth, development, and prosperity for their citizens. He highlighted the UAE’s strategic vision for relations with the African continent and the significance of the UAE-Nigeria relationship within that framework.
President Tinubu expressed his pleasure at visiting the UAE and affirmed his country’s keen interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation to support sustainable development and progress in both nations.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials from both sides, reflecting the significance of this diplomatic encounter.”
The gathering also included a delegation accompanying the Nigerian President, consisting of various ministers and senior officials.
This report highlights the substantial diplomatic discussions between President Tinubu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, shedding light on their shared interests and aspirations for bilateral cooperation.