Qatar didn’t snub Tinubu, presidency says on leaked memo
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU’S STATE VISIT TO QATAR
Qatar didn’t snub Tinubu, presidency says on leaked memo
The Nigerian Government says that there is no truth in the claim that the State of Qatar rejected President Bola Tinubu’s planned visit to the country. A leaked correspondence between the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows that the Arabian country only rejected a proposed investment and business talks proposed by would-be Nigerian delegates.
Qatar cited lack of existing agreements on such talks between both countries prior to now.
Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s special adviser on media and strategy, gave the clarification in a statement he issued.
He said, “The leaked diplomatic paper by mischief makers about an investment forum is not in any way a snub on President Tinubu by the Qatari government.
“The Note Verbale is about a private sector-led Business and Investment Forum to be held on the margins of President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit.
“The event is being put together by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Qatar’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry where business people from Nigeria will engage their counterparts from Qatar on commercial and investment opportunities available in both countries.
“We note the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries and affirm that the State Visit by President Bola Tinubu to Qatar is on the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness, Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
“The State Visit is particularly aimed at strengthening the bilateral economic cooperation between Nigeria and Qatar.
NACCIMA and Qatar Chambers of Commerce and Industry are collaborating to take advantage of President Tinubu’s visit to Doha to mobilise the business community from our two countries to explore opportunities in key economic sectors such as oil & gas, manufacturing, agro-business, construction, real estate, ICT, Renewable Energy, Solid Minerals and service sector, among others.”
Onanuga added, President Tinubu is expected to proceed to Qatar on the State Visit as scheduled and during the visit, the Nigerian leader will engage in high-level bilateral discussions with Qatari leader on many important matters, covering the full range of diplomatic and economic issues.”
