By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Mohammed Goronyo, has pledged the Federal Government’s continued support for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt.
Goronyo made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja when he received the outgoing Egypt Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, and his successor, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The minister described the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Egypt as cordial and mutually beneficial, stressing that both countries share strong historical and cultural ties.
He commended Colonel Ibrahim for his contributions to strengthening Nigeria-Egypt relations during his tenure, particularly his patriotism, discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty.
Goronyo said the visit provided an opportunity to bid farewell to the outgoing Defence Attaché while formally welcoming his successor and assuring him of Nigeria’s readiness to sustain the existing partnership.
According to him, relations between Nigeria and Egypt have continued to gain momentum under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with both countries exploring areas of mutual interest, including trade, agriculture, tourism, security, education and economic development.
He stressed the need for African countries to deepen cooperation and leverage their shared human and natural resources to accelerate sustainable development across the continent.
“Africa has the population, resources and potential required to compete favourably with other continents,” he said, urging African nations to work together and harness their collective strengths.
Goronyo also expressed optimism that the Memoranda of Understanding and other agreements 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,” he said.
Earlier, Colonel Ibrahim expressed appreciation to Goronyo for receiving the delegation, describing the meeting as significant as he prepares to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria.
He introduced Colonel Mosaad as his successor and expressed confidence that the existing strong 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 evidence of Egypt’s commitment to its bilateral and military relations with Nigeria.
In his remarks, Colonel Mosaad thanked the minister for the warm reception and pledged to work towards deepening cooperation between both countries.
He expressed optimism about his new assignment and said he would seek opportunities for greater collaboration, investment and exchange of capabilities between Nigeria and Egypt.
Mosaad noted that Nigeria and Egypt, as two major African countries, had a shared responsibility to contribute to the development and advancement of the continent through stronger partnerships.
The meeting ended with renewed assurances of cooperation, mutual support and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt.
