Francia Márquez, Colombia’s Vice-President, has revealed that a meeting was held with Nigerian aviation stakeholders on launching direct flights between both countries as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Márquez made the announcement during her visit to the State House in Abuja, where she was received by President Bola Tinubu.
Her visit followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations between the two governments.
The agreement was formalised during the Nigeria-Colombia bilateral meeting and business forum in Abuja, with Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister, and Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Colombia’s deputy minister for multilateral affairs, signing on behalf of their countries.
Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Márquez said aviation was one of the priority areas identified for deepened relations. She stressed that the collaboration would draw strength from the historical and cultural similarities shared by both nations.
Marquez said, “We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” adding that her country looked forward to building a lasting relationship with Nigeria.
She also assured that cooperation with Nigeria would promote shared values, particularly in areas such as gender equality, inclusivity, and social justice.
Responding, President Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring the agreements reached with Colombia are implemented, noting that existing accords with Brazil would serve as a model.
He said, “Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on.”
“Particularly for Colombia, the agreement we entered with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of foreign affairs will accelerate that.”
Present at the bilateral engagement were Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff; Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy; Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade and investment; and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, minister of women affairs and social development.
