President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe on his re-election, while calling for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and the island nation in security and economic development.
President Tinubu made his position known through the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle who represented him at the inauguration of Vila Nova for a second five-year term in São Tomé.
According to an official statement signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, for the Director, Information and Public Relations, Matawalle conveyed Tinubu’s commendation to the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for conducting a peaceful, credible and transparent election.
He said the election outcome reflected the confidence of the people in Vila Nova’s leadership, while commending the country’s Government, National Electoral Commission and political parties for their contributions to strengthening democratic institutions.
Matawalle quoted President Tinubu as expressing Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe, particularly in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ), trade and investment.
“President Tinubu values the longstanding friendship between our two countries. I therefore look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest,” he said.
The President’s call for stronger security cooperation comes against the backdrop of the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea, where Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe share interests in maritime safety, security and economic activities.
Matawalle said Nigeria remained committed to peace, security and development in the Gulf of Guinea, stressing the Federal Government’s readiness to re-establish and strengthen closer ties with São Tomé and Príncipe for the mutual benefit of both countries.
He added that Tinubu’s representation at the inauguration demonstrated the historic ties of friendship, fraternity, solidarity and cooperation that continue to define relations between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The inauguration, held at the country’s Parliament Building, attracted several African and European leaders and other dignitaries, including President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, Mozambique’s Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy, Angola’s Foreign Minister, Téte António, and Morocco’s Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch.
