Your Excellency President Tinubu,
I deeply express my heartfelt gratitude to you, the government and the people of Nigeria, for honoring me with Nigeria's national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. I accept this honour with humility and respect. And, I dedicate this honor to the 1.4 billion people of India and to the enduring friendship between India and Nigeria. This honour will continue to inspire us to take the Strategic Partnership between India and Nigeria to new heights.
Friends,
Relations between India and Nigeria are based on mutual cooperation, harmony and mutual respect. As two vibrant democracies and dynamic economies, we have consistently worked together for the welfare of our peoples. The social and cultural diversity in both our countries is our identity, our strength. Nigeria's 'Renewed Hope Agenda' and India's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' have many things in common. President Tinubu's visit to India last year added a new chapter to our relationship. Today, we had an in-depth discussion on further strengthening and expanding our mutual cooperation. We have identified new opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as economy, energy, agriculture, security, fintech, small and medium-scale enterprises, and culture. As a close and trusted partner, special emphasis will be placed on skill development and capacity building, as per the needs of the people of Nigeria. The Indian community of over 60,000 members living in Nigeria plays a vital role in our ties. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu and his government for taking care of them.
Friends,
Nigeria has played a significant and positive role in Africa. And, close ties with Africa has been a top priority for India. In all our endeavours, we have moved forward shoulder to shoulder with a friendly country like Nigeria.
As the saying goes in Africa: 'A friend is someone you share the path with.' India and Nigeria together will continue to move forward for the prosperity of our peoples and the entire African continent.
By working in close coordination, we will give importance to the interests and priorities of the Global South.
Excellency,
Once again, on behalf of the 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my profound gratitude for this honor.
