French president Emmanuel Macron to visit Nigeria

French President Emmanuel Macron will undertake a State visit to Nigeria later this year, the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, has announced.

The envoy made the announcement while speaking at the celebration of France's National Day on Tuesday, July 14, in Abuja, describing the visit as an opportunity for both countries to deepen their strategic partnership and map out future areas of cooperation.

Fonbaustier said Macron's trip would come two years after President Bola Tinubu paid a State visit to Paris.

“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,” he said.

The ambassador described Nigeria and France as equal partners, stressing that both nations are committed to mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation without interference.

He added that the two countries share common goals, including economic and social development, job creation, improved living standards and environmental protection.