Nigeria and Portugal are set to deepen their partnership after Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu held high-level talks with Portuguese officials and engaged with Nigerians living in Lisbon, focusing on trade, investment, security and stronger diplomatic cooperation.

Nigeria and Portugal are taking steps to strengthen their long-standing relationship following high-level discussions between the two countries during the EurAfrican Forum in Cascais, Portugal.

Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, met with Portugal's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Paulo Rangel, where both sides explored fresh opportunities to expand cooperation across several key sectors.

The discussions covered trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime security, digital innovation, education, agriculture, defence cooperation, regional security and capacity building. Both countries also reviewed the current state of their diplomatic ties, describing the relationship as strong and looking at ways to make it even more productive.

A major outcome of the meeting was the agreement to work towards establishing a Nigeria-Portugal Joint Commission, which will provide a platform for regular political consultations and deeper collaboration. The ministers also reviewed progress on the proposed Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and the Double Taxation Agreement, both aimed at boosting economic and commercial relations.

Beyond government-to-government talks, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also met with members of the Nigerian community in Lisbon. She praised Nigerians living in Portugal for their positive contributions to both countries and assured them that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting their welfare and providing consular support whenever needed.

The minister encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain united, obey the laws of their host country and continue to serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria. She also urged them to use their knowledge, investments and innovation to contribute to Nigeria's development.

The engagements reflect Nigeria's determination to strengthen its strategic partnership with Portugal while recognising the important role Nigerians abroad play in advancing the country's foreign policy, economic diplomacy and sustainable development goals.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Reporting by cbinewstv.

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