President Bola Tinubu on Monday received the president of Madagascar, Michael Randrianirina, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.

Mr Randrianirina arrived at the State House Forecourt at about 2:57 p.m. and was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Following a brief reception ceremony, the visiting leader was escorted to the president’s office, where he held a closed-door meeting with Mr Tinubu.

The visit is expected to deepen diplomatic ties and enhance cooperation between Nigeria and Madagascar in areas of mutual interest and shared development goals.

Both countries have continued to strengthen engagement on continental issues, particularly trade, economic cooperation, regional integration and sustainable development across Africa.

The meeting follows an earlier bilateral engagement between the two leaders on May 12 in Nairobi, Kenya, during the Africa Forward Summit.

At the Nairobi meeting, Messrs Tinubu and Randrianirina explored opportunities to expand bilateral relations, trade partnerships, and economic cooperation between their countries.

They also discussed political developments in Madagascar, with Mr Tinubu reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles and regional stability across the African continent.

The Nigerian leader further expressed support for efforts to normalise Madagascar’s relations with the African Union and to strengthen continental cooperation.

Monday’s meeting is expected to build on the outcomes of the Nairobi discussions and further consolidate diplomatic and economic relations between both nations.

(NAN)