Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Spain, Victor Ikpeazu, has presented his Letter of Credence to King Felipe VI.
The ceremony took place on at the Royal Palace in Madrid, marking the start of Ikpeazu’s diplomatic assignment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, confirmed this in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
Ikpeazu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s warm greetings and best wishes to King Felipe VI, the Spanish Government and people of Spain.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening and broadening the longstanding and cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and Spain.
The ambassador said the relationship offered significant opportunities for expanded cooperation and a robust, sustained bilateral partnership.
He identified trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, tourism and security as key areas for deeper cooperation.
He also highlighted people-to-people relations and collaboration involving public institutions, private businesses, academia, cultural organisations, civil society and communities.
“The relations between the two countries offer significant opportunities for expanded cooperation, for robust and sustained bilateral partnership,” Ikpeazu said.
He said existing bilateral agreements should be reviewed and revitalised to make them responsive to contemporary economic and diplomatic priorities.
“There is also the need to review and revitalise existing bilateral agreements between both countries,” he said.
Ikpeazu specifically identified the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and Spain as an area requiring greater attention.
He said improved direct air connectivity would enhance economic partnerships, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between both countries.
The ambassador also commended the contributions of Nigerians living in Spain, describing them as an important bridge between both countries.
He said the Nigerian community could strengthen mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Nigeria and Spain.
Ikpeazu pledged to promote and protect the interests of Nigerian nationals in Spain throughout his diplomatic assignment.
He also promised policies and programmes that would strengthen their engagement with the Nigerian Embassy and enhance their contributions.
According to him, Nigeria is ready to work more closely with the Spanish Government, relevant institutions and the private sector.
“To unlock new opportunities for mutually beneficial economic partnerships, increase trade and investment flows,” he said.
Ikpeazu also pledged to deepen institutional, commercial and private-sector collaboration between Nigeria and Spain.
Following the presentation, the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid hosted a “vin d’honneur” reception in honour of the new ambassador.
The reception attracted members of the diplomatic corps, Spanish Government representatives, business and cultural stakeholders, and Nigerian community representatives.
Ikpeazu said the embassy remained committed to working closely with the Spanish Government to translate bilateral goodwill into concrete outcomes.
He said such outcomes should advance shared prosperity, strengthen economic ties and deepen people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Spain. (NAN)
