By Tekena Amieyeofori
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to make a state visit to Nigeria later this year, the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, has announced. He described the visit as an opportunity for both nations to review their strategic partnership and set a new direction for cooperation.
Fonbaustier made the announcement during France’s National Day celebration on Tuesday night in Abuja.
He said, “Secondly, a scoop. I am pleased and honoured to announce that, two years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State visit to Paris, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, will travel to Nigeria for another State visit this fall.
“Together, our two Presidents will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come. These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples.”
The ambassador said the Nigeria-France relationship is founded on equality.
“In a chaotic world searching for meaning, I would like to talk to you about values. I would like to focus on the three values that accompanied the birth of the French Republic: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
“First and foremost, Equality. I say this, and I say it with pride, that the partnership between Nigeria and France is, in reality, not just in words, a partnership between equals.
“This equality among members of the international community is the cornerstone of the United Nations Charter, which Nigeria and France continue to defend, against all odds.
“In our bilateral relationship, this principle has concrete implications. It means avoiding prejudice, not imposing anything, and not interfering. On the contrary, it means listening to each other, communicating openly, and making decisions together.
“I stand before you tonight to say that, together, Nigerians and French people, we fully respect the spirit and profound meaning of this word: Equality. Our common interests are clearly stated and understood,” the envoy stated.
Fonbaustier added that both countries are aligned on economic and social development, job creation, and environmental protection.
“We want the economic and social development of both our countries, for our citizens, for job creation, and for improving the standards of living, with due respect for the environment, biodiversity, water and air,” he said.
On security, he said Nigeria and France share a commitment to the global fight against terrorism and are working to help other nations build capacity.
“Our two countries have repeatedly demonstrated this, through their unfailing and resolute commitment to the global fight against terrorism,” he said.
“In the face of terrorism, which is affecting the entire region, Nigeria and France are working together to assist countries eager to strengthen their capabilities, in order to better combat this scourge that destroys lives, communities and ultimately, our core values,” he said.
He also revealed that Macron’s perspective on Africa was shaped by his six-month stay in Nigeria as a student 24 years ago.
“The new relationship between Africa and France was, in some way, born in Nigeria or ‘Made in Nigeria’. Because as a young man, Emmanuel Macron, spent six significant and formative months in this country while he was a student, 24 years ago.
“He himself admits that this foundational experience inspired the broad outlines of his vision for the continent and his African diplomacy,” he said.