3 days ago
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ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has accepted an invitation by the Moroccan government to visit Rabat, the capital of Morocco, as part of efforts to deepen ties between the two capitals.
The minister also assured the Moroccan Ambassador of immediate action on the commencement of the Moroccan Embassy’s construction in Abuja.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Moroccan Ambassador and his delegation to the FCT Administration on Tuesday, Wike emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships that would yield mutual benefits for both cities.
“Let me say that just this morning, I have already directed the appropriate office to liaise with you on the commencement of the construction of the embassy, and that is the Department of Development Control. You will be hearing from them any moment from now,” Wike stated.
The FCT Minister commended the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Morocco and expressed the administration’s readiness to explore opportunities for cooperation between Abuja and Rabat.
“Before the invitation comes, let me accept to be in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, to see what we can do to partner between the two cities. Nigeria has a good relationship with Morocco, and we would like to explore opportunities on how these two cities can cooperate. It is very key,” he added.
Wike also highlighted the improved security and infrastructure development in Abuja, assuring diplomats of a conducive environment for conducting their official duties without hindrances.
“Our hope is to make sure that all the diplomats carry out their business in peace. Of course, you will agree with me that the security has so much improved. You can see the infrastructure development going on in the city. We are happy to do anything that will make your stay in Abuja comfortable,” Wike said.
On his part, the Moroccan Ambassador expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister for his warm reception and support for the Moroccan diplomatic community in Abuja.
“Your Excellency, as you know, we consider ourselves as also your citizens here in Abuja, this capital. A very beautiful capital, one of the best capitals in Africa,” the Ambassador said.
The envoy officially invited Wike to Rabat for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for collaboration between Abuja and Rabat.
“I want to invite you officially. I will transmit to you the official invitation by your counterpart, and I hope that you can pay this visit to Morocco as soon as possible. We also hope to have a partnership between Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and Abuja, the capital of Nigeria,” he added.
The Ambassador also disclosed that plans were underway for the construction of the Moroccan Embassy in Abuja.
“We will start to build our embassy in Abuja, on the land and the plot that the capital gave us as all the members of the diplomatic corps. We have now signed a contract with the company which will construct this building and we are waiting for the facilities that the FCT will give us in this issue,” the Ambassador noted.
Responding to Wike’s acceptance of the invitation, the Ambassador said, “Thank you, Excellency, for your kind words. And be sure that we are at your disposal. We will see during your next visit, Insha Allah, in Morocco. I think that we can start a very good partnership in the interest of not only the two countries but also the two capitals.”
The planned partnership between Abuja and Rabat is expected to bolster diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, further cementing the relationship between Nigeria and Morocco.
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