German President Steinmeier To Visit Nigeria for Strategic Talks, Cultural Engagement

German President, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to pay a state visit to Nigeria between the 10^th and the 12^th of December, the German Embassy in Nigeria has revealed.

A statement, which was released on Thursday read, “The German Embassy in Nigeria is pleased to announce the visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Nigeria on the 10th to 12th of December 2024.”

The visit, according to the statement, aims to underline the strength of Nigeria-Germany relations and to mark Germany’s appreciation of Nigeria.

The statement said: “Following the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Nigeria in October 2023 and the visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Germany in November 2023, President Steinmeier’s visit is the third exchange between both countries on the level of head of state or government since President Tinubu’s inauguration.

“This high frequency of visits is proof of the close relations between both countries and the serious interest of Germany in Nigeria. It is also evidence of a willingness to work together as strategic partners – an obvious fit, as both countries share striking commonalities, including being the strongest economy and the most populous country on their respective continents.”

The statement revealed that: “President Steinmeier will be accompanied by a business delegation of CEOs and high-ranking board members of some of Germany’s most successful companies in the fields of IT, high- tech and energy – an indication of the rising interest of German businesses in opportunities to invest in Nigeria.”

The statement added that: “While in the country, President Steinmeier will meet with President Tinubu as well as with the President of the Commission of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), His Excellency Dr. Alieu Omar Touray. The German President will then proceed to Lagos, where he will engage with business representatives, visit a start-up hub and meet with members of Nigeria’s culture sector and civil society. The German President will further meet with Dr. Nike Okundaye, popularly known as Mama Nike, of the Nike Art Gallery, and the legendary author and Nobel Laureate for Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

“There will also be an opportunity to be part of a tour of the city of Lagos to gain insights into the urban development of megacity Lagos, including environmental and social challenges.”

The statement explained that: “The President of the Federal Republic of Germany is the Head of State, representing Germany at home and abroad. His role is largely representative and that of a mediator and communicator and usually not involved in day-to-day politics.

It added that: “We look forward to our continued cooperation, and strengthening our important bilateral relations.”

Michael Olugbode 

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