…Cypriot President pledges closer ties with Nigeria in trade, investment, education and political dialogue
By Gloria Ikibah 
Nigeria and Cyprus have expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral relations, with Ambassador Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu formally presenting her Letters of Credence to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia.
The ceremony which held on Friday at the Presidential Palace, marked the official commencement of Ufochukwu’s diplomatic assignment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, with concurrent accreditation to Cyprus.
During the presentation, the Nigerian envoy conveyed the greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to his Cypriot counterpart and pledged to work towards strengthening relations between both countries throughout her tenure.
The presentation of credentials formally authorises the ambassador to represent Nigeria in Cyprus and serve as an official channel of communication between the governments in Abuja and Nicosia.
Welcoming the Nigerian envoy, Christodoulides reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two countries, noting that their relationship was built on shared historical experiences, common principles and enduring ties between their peoples.
The Cypriot President also acknowledged Nigeria’s important role in West Africa and across the African continent, particularly its contributions to regional dialogue, cooperation, integration and stability.
He assured Ufochukwu that his government was ready to work closely with Nigeria to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
These areas include trade, investment, economic cooperation, education and political dialogue, as well as joint efforts to address challenges affecting both countries at bilateral and multilateral levels.
The engagement comes as both countries seek to expand cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic relations and explore opportunities for stronger economic and people-to-people ties.
For Nigeria, Ufochukwu’s accreditation is expected to provide a fresh platform for advancing its interests in the Mediterranean region, with particular attention to economic cooperation, educational opportunities and the welfare of Nigerians living in Cyprus.
The renewed engagement can also create opportunities for Nigerian businesses and professionals, while encouraging greater Cypriot investment in Nigeria.
Senior Cypriot government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission attended the ceremony.
Ufochukwu is expected to begin engagements with Cypriot government officials, business leaders and members of the Nigerian community as she seeks to translate the goodwill expressed at the ceremony into practical outcomes.
Her presentation of credentials marks the formal beginning of a new phase in Nigeria-Cyprus relations, with both countries signalling interest in expanding cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests.
