President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday said the cordial relations between Nigeria, the Republic of France, the People’s Republic of China, and the Kingdom of Denmark over many years should translate into mutual economic benefits for citizens. 

The president, who assured of expanding economic diplomacy with the countries, specifically tasked the Chinese Ambassador to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the actualisation of the recent agreements signed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting in Beijing. 

The president gave the charge in a ceremony at the State House when he received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the French Republic, Marc Fonbaustier; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yu Dunhai. 

Tinubu, who is scheduled to pay a state visit to France, told the French Ambassador that his friendship with Emmanuel Macron, and the diplomatic ties between both countries, should be felt by citizens. 

• Flood kills 321 in 34 states, affects 1.4m people
• Presidency to withdraw controversial tax reform bills

The French Ambassador affirmed the warmth, hospitality and diversity of Nigerian culture, assuring that he would put all effort into upscaling the partnership for shared economic prosperity. 

In a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, Tinubu appreciated the President of the Republic of China, Xi Jinping, for hosting him during his State visit to Beijing and participating in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). 

He urged the envoy to work hard with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to translate the agreements signed into reality. 

“I enjoyed my visit to China, and I particularly look forward to the activation of all the agreements we signed, especially on trade and economic progress for both countries. 

The president said Nigeria will continue to leverage and build on the Chinese experience, especially in trade and infrastructure development.

 The Chinese ambassador thanked the president for honouring the invitation to visit in September. 

President Tinubu welcomed the Ambassador of Denmark, adding that he looked forward to improved relations.