a partnership of equals in the service of our strategic autonomy, by Emmanuel Macron and Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Libération

The President of the Republic receives his Nigerian counterpart on a state visit this Thursday, November 28. In a joint forum, both insist on the importance of securing the Gulf of Guinea and avoiding foreign influences in their respective policies.

Currently, international relations are often defined as if there were only two possible options for states: to dominate or be dominated, to subjugate or to be subjugated. Nations are supposed to rally around this or that power, this or that bloc. The lesson we draw from our experience as heads of state of two countries whose bilateral relations have continued to deepen for twenty-five years is quite different.

As far as we are concerned, we can confidently say that our relationship takes the form of a partnership of equals. There are moments in history when countries allow themselves to be guided by common interests that are well understood and recognized by all. France and Nigeria find themselves today at this crucial moment.

Having common interests encourages us to work together. It is in our mutual interest to encourage private sector investment between our two countries. It is in our mutual interest to develop thriving cultural and creative industries that will create jobs for young Nigerians and young French people. It is in our mutual interest to ensure that the Gulf of Guinea is safe. It is in our mutual interest to strengthen our food systems to ensure they are stable and secure, and not overly dependent on imports.

We are happy that Nigeria and France are trusted partners, towards each other and towards many countries around the world.