Nigeria and Qatar enjoy close affinity since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and Nigeria is committed to enhancing trade and investment relations with Qatar, Ambassador of Nigeria to Qatar HE Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed has said.
According to a Press Statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Embassy of Nigeria, Mr Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ambassador made the statement while speaking at a reception held to celebrate the 62nd Independence Day of Nigeria at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The event was attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, who represented the host Government; the Director of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, members of the Diplomatic Corps; captains of Industry, leadership of the Nigerian Community in Qatar and friends of the Embassy.
The Nigerian envoy said that both the countries have continued to enjoy cordial relations and support each other at both bilateral and multilateral fora occasioned by the openness, warmth and support of the government and people of Qatar under the wise leadership of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The envoy said that the relations between the two countries have resulted in several high-level visits from both sides, the peak of which was the February 2016 state visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to Qatar and the visit by the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Nigeria in April 2019.
He said the embassy is working on several programmes in cooperation with the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) to showcase the cultural diversity of Nigeria through arts and artefacts.
He thanked Qatar’s leadership and humanitarian institutions, especially Qatar Charity, Qatar Foundation and Education Above All for their support towards Nigeria’s healthcare, shelter, potable water and education sectors.
He also praised Qatar for its role in promoting global peace and harmony.
Talking on hosting of FIFA World Cup 2022, Ahmed said, “From today, it is barely 49 days away the world’s greatest football tournament, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. All eyes and minds of fans are now on Qatar. With the sense of dedication, energy and resources invested in the preparatory process, I believe Qatar is adequately ready to host the world.”
He said many Nigerian fans will add colour to the historic sports fiesta.
He thanked the leadership as well as the people and government of Qatar for providing opportunities to the Nigerian expatriates to play their role in the continuous development of Qatar.
