In a surprising turn of events, the government of Qatar has agreed to host the business and investment forum proposed by Nigeria. This decision comes after an earlier rejection by the Qatari government.
The Qatari Embassy in Abuja had previously conveyed its inability to hold the meeting as requested, citing the absence of a binding agreement between Qatar and Nigeria regarding the investment forum. However, the Nigerian presidency dismissed this as a snub report.
ChatNews TV reports that Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the leaked diplomatic paper about an investment forum was not in any way a snub on President Tinubu by the Qatari government.
Read Also: Qatar Snubs President Tinubu, Turns Down Visitation Request For Business Parley
The Qatari government has now confirmed that the business parley will be held during Tinubu’s visit to the country. In a memo dated Sunday, February 25, 2024, addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Qatari embassy said:
“Regarding the upcoming State visit of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Qatar from 2nd-3rd March 2024 and with reference to our Note: Ref: QEA/FA/057/24 dated 22/02/2024 regarding holding of a Business and Investment Forum (BIF) on the margins of Mr. President’s visit to Qatar on 2nd March 2024.”
“The Embassy has the honour to convey that the Qatar Chamber of Commerce will host the above-mentioned event on March 3, 2024, as proposed by the Nigerian side.”
This development marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between Qatar and Nigeria.
