By Gabriel Ani
ABUJA, Nigeria (chatnewstv.com) — Nigeria reaffirmed its long-standing support for the Palestinian people and pledged continued diplomatic engagement as the country’s foreign minister met with the Palestinian ambassador in Abuja, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar received the Palestinian ambassador to Nigeria, Muhannad Halmouri, on Feb. 4 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and consular cooperation between Nigeria and the State of Palestine, according to a ministry statement.
“The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring support for the Palestinian people and reiterated the country’s commitment to justice, peaceful coexistence, and respect for international law,” the statement said.
During the meeting, Halmouri conveyed greetings from the Palestinian leadership and thanked Nigeria for its “longstanding and principled support for the Palestinian cause,” recalling historic ties dating back to the era of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, the ministry said.
Discussions also focused on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories. The ambassador briefed Tuggar on current conditions, including security challenges and constraints on humanitarian access, while acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic stance in support of a peaceful resolution grounded in international law.
The minister assured the envoy that issues raised would be examined “through appropriate diplomatic and administrative channels, in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy principles,” the statement said.
The Palestinian ambassador also expressed interest in a possible future visit to Nigeria by the Palestinian foreign minister, which could include high-level engagements and interactions with Nigeria’s National Assembly, the ministry said.
“The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the warm and enduring relations between Nigeria and the State of Palestine, as well as the shared commitment to sustained dialogue and cooperation,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The statement was signed by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa and dated Feb. 4.
