Marc Fonbaustier, the French ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, announced that French President Emmanuel Macron will make a state visit to Nigeria this autumn, describing the trip as a chance for both nations to assess their expanding strategic partnership and set a new path for future collaboration.
Fonbaustier made the announcement while delivering his address at the celebration of France’s National Day on Tuesday night in Abuja.
Revealing what he described as a scoop, the ambassador said Macron’s visit would come two years after President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Paris.
He said, “Secondly, a scoop. I am pleased and honored to announce that, two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Paris, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, will travel to Nigeria for another state visit this fall.
“Together, our two presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come. These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples.”
The envoy said the relationship between Nigeria and France was founded on equality, stressing that both countries regarded each other as partners of equals.
“In a chaotic world searching for meaning, I would like to talk to you about values. I would like to focus on the three values that accompanied the birth of the French Republic: liberty, equality, and fraternity.
“First and foremost, equality. I say this, and I say it with pride, that the partnership between Nigeria and France is, in reality, not just in words, a partnership between equals.
“This equality among members of the international community is the cornerstone of the United Nations Charter, which Nigeria and France continue to defend, against all odds.
“In our bilateral relationship, this principle has concrete implications. It means avoiding prejudice, not imposing anything, and not interfering. On the contrary, it means listening to each other, communicating openly, and making decisions together.
“I stand before you tonight to say that, together, Nigerians and French people, we fully respect the spirit and profound meaning of this word: equality. Our common interests are clearly stated and understood,” the envoy stated.
Fonbaustier noted that both countries shared the common goals of economic and social development, job creation, and environmental protection.
“We want the economic and social development of both our countries, for our citizens, for job creation, and for improving the standards of living, with due respect for the environment, biodiversity, water, and air,” he said.
Fonbaustier highlighted recent commercial partnerships between Carrefour and HyperCity, Accor and Shoreline, as well as Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice, saying the collaborations reflected growing economic ties and would enrich television programming in Nigeria.
