The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, has pledged Nigeria’s continued support for stronger bilateral relations with Egypt as he received the outgoing Egyptian Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, and his successor, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad.
Goronyo received the Egyptian military delegation during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Tuesday, describing the relationship between Nigeria and Egypt as cordial, longstanding and mutually beneficial.
The minister said the two countries shared strong historical and cultural ties, noting that their partnership had continued to expand under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
He identified trade, agriculture, tourism, security, education and economic development as key areas where Nigeria and Egypt could deepen cooperation for the benefit of their citizens.
Goronyo also commended Colonel Ibrahim for his service and contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries during his tenure. He particularly praised the outgoing attaché’s patriotism, discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty.
The minister recalled his previous encounter with Ibrahim while serving at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, describing his return visit in a new capacity as a pleasant coincidence.
According to him, the meeting provided an opportunity not only to bid farewell to the outgoing Defence Attaché but also to formally welcome his successor and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining the existing partnership.
Goronyo stressed the importance of stronger cooperation among African countries, saying the continent possessed the population, natural resources and human capital needed to compete favourably with other regions of the world.
He expressed optimism that Memoranda of Understanding and other agreements reached between Nigeria and Egypt would translate into tangible benefits for citizens of both countries.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, and the entire management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works, I sincerely welcome you and thank you for this visit.
“We wish the outgoing Defence Attaché the very best in his future assignments and welcome the incoming Defence Attaché.
“On our part, we will continue to provide the necessary support to enable you to discharge your responsibilities effectively.
“Our doors remain open, and we will continue to support one another for the progress of our two countries and for the benefit of humanity,” Goronyo said.
Earlier, Colonel Ibrahim thanked the minister for receiving him and his delegation, describing the meeting as significant as he prepares to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria.
He formally introduced Colonel Mosaad as his successor and expressed confidence that the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Egypt would be further strengthened under the new Defence Attaché.
Ibrahim also disclosed that the Egyptian authorities had approved the establishment of a Deputy Defence Attaché position in Nigeria, describing the development as a demonstration of Egypt’s commitment to deepening its bilateral and military relationship with Nigeria.
In his remarks, Colonel Mosaad expressed appreciation for the warm reception and pledged to work towards expanding cooperation between Nigeria and Egypt.
He said he looked forward to identifying new opportunities for collaboration, investment and the exchange of capabilities between the two countries.
Mosaad noted that Nigeria and Egypt, as two major African nations, had a shared responsibility to contribute to the development and advancement of the continent through stronger partnerships.
He expressed confidence that his tenure would further consolidate the friendship, cultural ties and cooperation that have existed between the two countries for decades.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments to mutual support, expanded cooperation and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt.
