Nigeria officially backs Egypt's Khaled El-Anany for UNESCO Chief at Abuja Business Forum - Foreign Affairs
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar made the announcement during the opening session of the Egypt-Nigeria Business Forum in Abuja on Monday.
The forum was attended by Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty—currently on a West Africa tour—Dr El-Anany, and a high-level delegation of representatives from major Egyptian and Nigerian companies, business chambers, and economic organizations.
In his keynote address, Tuggar expressed Nigeria's full support for El-Anany's candidacy and extended his best wishes for a successful election. He also reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Egypt, highlighting major opportunities for enhanced trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
For his part, Abdelatty underscored the strategic importance Egypt places on its relationship with Nigeria, calling it one of the country's most vital partners on the continent.
He noted that the forum provides a key platform for fostering private-sector partnerships and exploring joint investment opportunities across various sectors.
Abdelatty emphasized the need to fully utilize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand cooperation, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, mining, and manufacturing.
He also highlighted Egypt's efforts to develop its investment environment and infrastructure, and expand its industrial base into sectors such as electronics, construction materials, food processing, and pharmaceuticals—citing their high quality and competitive pricing.
The minister pointed to Egypt's ongoing national mega-projects and the country's vast market potential, affirming the government's readiness to support deeper economic cooperation with Nigeria. He also referenced the longstanding political and historical ties between the two nations.
Abdelatty concluded by urging joint action to eliminate barriers to economic collaboration and reiterated Egypt's full commitment to supporting investors and businesses from both sides. He expressed confidence that Nigeria would provide the necessary facilitation to maximize mutual benefits.
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