September 01, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the three-day official visit of Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, to Nigeria as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations.
Speaking on Sunday night at a gala dinner held in honour of the Colombian delegation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima said the visit represents a gateway to deeper political cooperation, stronger economic partnerships, and closer people-to-people ties.
“For fifty-one years, Nigeria and Colombia have journeyed side by side. We are bound not only by the ties of diplomacy but also by the deeper call of shared humanity. This historic visit and tomorrow’s engagements will be the gateway to a new chapter,” the Vice President stated.
On her part, Márquez described the trip as both historic and strategic, stressing her commitment to advancing shared values of social justice, peace, education, culture, tourism, and trade. As a woman of African descent, she noted that she considers Nigeria a natural partner and pledged that Colombia would use its position in South America to help strengthen Africa–Latin America relations.
She also delivered condolences from Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ibrahim Hadejia, noted that the visit rekindles long-standing ties and opens fresh opportunities to harness shared values and cultural connections for mutual growth.
The gala was attended by ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders from both countries.
