President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron shared a private dinner at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday, September 17, marking another step in their ongoing diplomatic engagement. The meeting was announced by Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a post on X on Friday, September 18.
Details of the Private Dinner
According to Onanuga, the dinner reflected the longstanding ties between Nigeria and France and both leaders' commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries. The post did not provide further details about the specific topics discussed during the meal.
This is not the first time Tinubu and Macron have met in Paris. Earlier, on Wednesday, September 10, Tinubu visited Macron for a private working lunch at the Élysée Palace. That meeting marked the fifth visit by Tinubu to the French president since his inauguration on May 29, 2023, as reported by Legit.ng.
Significance for Nigeria-France Relations
The repeated meetings signal a sustained effort to strengthen bilateral relations. While no official agenda was released, the dinners underscore the importance both leaders place on maintaining open communication and exploring areas of mutual interest.
The September 10 lunch was also confirmed by Onanuga, who shared photos of the two leaders together. The consistent engagement highlights the diplomatic rapport between Nigeria and France, with Paris serving as a recurring venue for high-level talks.
As of now, no statements have been issued regarding the outcomes or next steps from the latest dinner. The meeting, however, adds to a series of interactions that suggest a continued trajectory of cooperation between the two nations.
