Nigeria and Cyprus have expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral relations in trade, investment, education and political dialogue following the presentation of Letters of Credence by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, with concurrent accreditation to Cyprus, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu.
Ufochukwu presented her credentials to the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, on Friday at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, formally commencing her diplomatic assignment to the Mediterranean island nation.
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During the ceremony, the Nigerian envoy conveyed the greetings of President Bola Tinubu to Christodoulides and pledged her commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries throughout her tenure.
In his remarks, the Cypriot president welcomed Ufochukwu and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Cyprus and Nigeria, noting that their relationship was rooted in shared historical experiences, common principles and enduring people-to-people connections.
Christodoulides acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic importance in West Africa and across the African continent, particularly its contributions to regional dialogue, cooperation, integration and stability.
He also expressed his government’s readiness to work closely with Nigeria to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including economic relations, trade, investment, education and political dialogue.
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The Cypriot leader further emphasised the importance of addressing shared challenges through bilateral and multilateral engagement.
The presentation of credentials formally authorises Ufochukwu to represent Nigeria in Cyprus and serve as an official channel of communication between the governments of both countries.
Her diplomatic assignment is expected to provide an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in economic partnerships, educational exchanges and the welfare of Nigerians living in Cyprus.
The engagement also comes amid efforts by both countries to expand international partnerships and strengthen cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic relations.
Ufochukwu is expected to engage Cypriot government officials, business leaders and members of the Nigerian community to advance discussions on areas of shared interest.
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The ceremony was attended by senior Cypriot government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission.
The presentation of credentials marks a new phase in Nigeria-Cyprus relations, with both countries expressing a commitment to building on their longstanding friendship to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.