From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has described the visit by the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, as a pivotal moment that will mark the beginning of a new chapter in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Márquez arrived in Abuja on Saturday alongside her spouse, Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders for a three-day official visit geared towards strengthening bilateral ties.
According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President, during a gala dinner held on Sunday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to honour the Colombian delegation, stated that the visit represents “a new dawn,” signalling deeper political cooperation, economic ventures, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and Colombia.
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He said, “This is why this historic visit and tomorrow’s engagements will be the gateway to a new chapter. More than ever, Nigeria is inspired to plant the seeds of trust, nurture them with dialogue, and cultivate them into fruits of prosperity that our children and grandchildren shall one day reap.”
Shettima highlighted the enduring connection between the two nations over the past 51 years, rooted not only in diplomacy but in a “deeper call of shared humanity,” transcending geographical distances.
Raising a toast to “the greater ties between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Colombia,” Shettima expressed hopes that the visit would bear the “fruits” both countries desire.
The Colombian Vice President, Márquez, described her visit as strategic and historic, underscoring shared heritage and values. She stressed her identity as a woman of African descent and her commitment to advancing cooperation across social justice, peace, tourism, health, culture, and education.
She remarked, “My visit is aimed at improving ties between our countries in these areas,” and pledged that Colombia would leverage its South American position to strengthen trade and diplomatic relations with Africa, particularly Nigeria. Márquez also extended condolences from the President of Colombia on the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Nigerian President at the Office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hadejia, explained that the gala dinner was to celebrate the successful homecoming of the Colombian Vice President and her delegation. He pointed to the unique potentials and shared values that could positively impact the economies of both nations if fully harnessed, noting the visit fosters cultural diplomacy alongside policy, including arts, music, and cuisine exchanges.
The event was attended by ministers and top government officials from both Nigeria and Colombia.
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