After 46 years of diplomatic relations, Nigeria and Portugal have emphasized the need for closer connections and pledged to take relations to a new level with tangible results.

On Thursday in Lisbon, during a joint press conference with Portuguese President Marcela Rebelo de Sousa, President Muhammadu Buhari provided the indication.

After a private discussion with his Portuguese counterpart and a larger gathering of delegations, the president of Nigeria told the media that although the two nations already have positive ties, further cooperation was necessary.

As a result, President Buhari announced that up to ten agreements and memorandums of understanding are being readied for signature during his state visit to the European nation.

These consist of:

‘‘The Establishment of an Atlantic Research Centre; Air travel; Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training; Cultural Cooperation; Investment Promotion; Chambers of Commerce Cooperation; Women and Child Development; Youth and Sports Development and Digital Economy Cooperation.
‘‘The world is at a crossroads. The decisions we take as leaders could make or break the world as we know it.
‘‘We face existential challenges with climate change, food insecurity, conflict, health, and energy among others.
‘‘We look to Portugal as an influential country and partner to play an important role in helping to pull the world back from the brink.’’

President Buhari congratulated the Portuguese president for helping to get financial support for Africa from the European Union and the International Monetary Union while he was the EU’s president.

The Nigerian president noted that this year is the 46th anniversary of the start of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“We are delighted that we can count Portugal as a valued and reliable friend and partner.
‘‘We share the same democratic values and look to increase and broaden cooperation in various fields at the bilateral and multilateral levels.’’

More than 80 leaders from Nigerian public and private sector businesses, agencies, and organizations will attend the Nigeria-Portugal Business and Investment Forum, the president stated.

Photos from the event are shown below.