Nigeria and Cyprus have expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, education and political dialogue.
The commitment followed the presentation of Letters of Credence by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, with concurrent accreditation to Cyprus, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Friday.
The ceremony formally marked the commencement of Ambassador Ufochukwu’s diplomatic assignment in Cyprus.
The ambassador conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu to the Cypriot leader and expressed her commitment to deepening cooperation between both countries during her tenure.
President Christodoulides welcomed the Nigerian envoy, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between Cyprus and Nigeria, which he said was rooted in shared historical experiences, common principles and enduring people-to-people connections.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic role in West Africa and across the African continent, particularly its contributions to regional dialogue, cooperation, integration and stability.
The Cypriot president also assured the ambassador of his government’s willingness to work closely with Nigeria to advance bilateral relations and address shared challenges through bilateral and multilateral engagements.
He identified the economy, trade, investment, education and political dialogue as key areas in which both countries could expand cooperation.
The renewed commitment provides an opportunity for Nigeria and Cyprus to explore partnerships beyond traditional diplomatic relations, particularly in areas that could promote economic growth and strengthen people-to-people ties.
For Nigeria, the ambassador’s accreditation is expected to support efforts to expand the country’s diplomatic and economic engagement in the Mediterranean region, with particular attention to trade, education and the welfare of Nigerians living in Cyprus.
The engagement could also provide a platform for Nigerian businesses, students and professionals to explore opportunities in Cyprus, while encouraging greater Cypriot investment in Nigeria.
Senior Cypriot government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission attended the ceremony.
Ambassador Ufochukwu is expected to engage government officials, business leaders and members of the Nigerian community in Cyprus as part of efforts to translate the goodwill expressed at the ceremony into practical areas of cooperation.
The presentation of her Letters of Credence marks a formal step towards strengthening relations between Nigeria and Cyprus, with both countries signalling interest in expanding collaboration in areas of mutual benefit.
