Colombia’s Vice-President, Francia Márquez, says discussions are underway with Nigerian aviation stakeholders on the possibility of starting direct flights between both countries as part of efforts to expand bilateral relations.
Márquez made this known on Monday during a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where she was received by President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The visit coincided with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations, formalised during the Nigeria–Colombia bilateral meeting and business forum in Abuja. The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir.
Speaking at the forum, Márquez said aviation was one of several key areas identified for strengthening cooperation between the two nations, while noting that Nigeria and Colombia share significant cultural and historical similarities.
“We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” she said, adding that the partnership would also advance social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity in both countries.
President Tinubu, while addressing the Colombian delegation of senior officials and business leaders, pledged Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties. He said agreements already reached with Brazil in aviation and consular matters could be replicated with Colombia to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement.
“Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on,” Tinubu said. “Particularly for Colombia, the agreement we entered with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate that.”
Among Nigerian officials present at the meeting were Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.
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