President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to embark on a diplomatic visit to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from March 2nd to 3rd, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This confirmation comes amidst earlier reports suggesting that Qatari authorities had declined Tinubu’s proposed visit to the country. A memo circulating online purportedly revealed Qatar’s reluctance to host a proposed business parley with Nigeria due to various reasons, including the absence of a formal agreement on investment promotion and protection between Qatar and Nigeria, as well as scheduling conflicts with the Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry.
However, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, issued a statement on Saturday night affirming Tinubu’s upcoming visit to Qatar.
The statement emphasised the longstanding friendship and close bilateral relations between Nigeria and Qatar and highlighted the visit’s significance in further strengthening these ties.
While acknowledging the media’s circulation of diplomatic correspondence, the Ministry refrained from commenting on leaks, according to the statement signed by Francisca K. Omayuli, spokesperson of the ministry.
