President Bola Tinubu on Friday says Nigeria is open to strengthening bilateral ties with the East African nations of Kenya and Burundi, as well as the Republic of the Philippines.

The President also called for synergy and more decisive coordinated action to address economic frailties within African nations.

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President Tinubu made the call at the State House, Abuja, during the presentation of Letters of Credence by newly-appointed ambassadors to Nigeria. They are the Burundi Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana; the Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor and the High Commissioner of Kenya to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed details of Friday’s meetings in a statement.

During the separate meetings with each ambassador, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria values warm and brotherly relations with their respective countries and remains a steadfast partner in promoting democratic values and economic opportunities that benefit citizens of all partner nations.

In his meeting with the Philippines ambassador, the President said Nigeria has embarked on a bold initiative to expand its natural gas production to meet domestic needs and increase exports.

He encouraged the representative of the Southeast-Asian nation to attract investors from his country to explore opportunities in Nigeria.

We have cordial relations with the Philippines and agreements to promote economic cooperation and trade that were signed in the past, but they have not been implemented.

“We are ready to improve bilateral relations, and promote economic ties and collaboration between our two nations,” the President said.

Mellejor acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role and strategic position in Africa as the continent’s largest economy, population, and democracy.

He said these strong credentials form the basis upon which his country seeks to expand economic ties with Nigeria.

He also informed the President that no fewer than 3,000 Filipinos are in Nigeria, mainly employed in the oil industry.

“We are grateful for the warm hospitality of our citizens who live and work here, and since I arrived in the country, I have been fascinated by the beauty and hospitality of the country and Nigerians as a people,” the Ambassador said.

In his meeting with the Burundian Ambassador, President Tinubu addressed the recent floods in East African countries, underscoring the need for African leaders and governments to urgently work together to confront common challenges, such as climate change and other environmental issues.