Colombian VP visit opens new diplomatic chapter— Shettima
Abdullateef Fowewe
Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that the three-day official visit of the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, to Nigeria will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed that Shettima spoke on Sunday night during a gala dinner in honour of the Colombian delegation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Shettima described the visit as a “gateway to deeper political cooperation, bolder economic ventures, and richer people-to-people exchanges,” stressing that Nigeria and Colombia are bound not only by diplomatic ties but also by “the deeper call of shared humanity, interest, and future.”
The Nigerian Vice President said, “For fifty-one years, Nigeria and Colombia have journeyed side by side. We are bound not only by the ties of diplomacy but also by the deeper call of shared humanity. This historic visit and tomorrow’s engagements will be the gateway to a new chapter.”
On her part, Márquez described her visit as strategic and historic, noting that as a woman of African descent, she sees Nigeria as a natural partner in advancing shared values of social justice, peace, education, culture, tourism, and trade. She also pledged that Colombia would leverage its position in South America to strengthen Africa–Latin America relations.
The Colombian Vice President further conveyed the condolences of her President to Nigeria over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ibrahim Hadejia, said the visit rekindles the longstanding friendship between the two nations and creates opportunities to harness their shared values and cultural ties for mutual prosperity.
The gala was attended by Ministers, top government officials, and business leaders from both Nigeria and Colombia.
