Nigeria and Burundi have expressed their desire to deepen diplomatic and economic ties through tourism.
This emerged when the Senior Advisor to the Office of the President of Burundi and Special Envoy, Ambassador Libérat Mfumukeko, met with the Nigerian Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, at her office in Abuja.
The Director of Press at the ministry, Chindaya Ahmadu, said the high-level engagement demonstrated the commitment of both nations to collaborate in developing their tourism sectors as drivers of sustainable growth.
According to Ahmadu, “Ambassador Mfumukeko conveyed warm regards from the Burundian President and reiterated Burundi’s eagerness to collaborate with Nigeria in promoting community-based tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism development.”
The envoy praised Nigeria’s leadership in the tourism sector and expressed confidence in the potential for long-term, impactful partnerships between the two countries.
On her part, Minister Lola Ade-John welcomed the ambassador’s visit, noting that it reflected the mutual respect and shared vision between the two nations.
She emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to boosting intra-African tourism partnerships, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on diversifying the economy and empowering communities through culture and tourism.
She said: “Nigeria and Burundi share a wealth of opportunities in tourism, and we are excited about building synergies that will not only benefit our economies but also strengthen cultural ties.
“Our ministry is eager to explore new avenues for collaboration that will position both countries as leading tourism destinations in Africa.”
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s successful initiatives in community engagement and sustainable tourism, emphasizing the country’s growing reputation as a prime destination for tourism investment.
The discussions covered broader areas of cooperation, including economic empowerment, capacity building, and promoting deeper cultural exchanges.
Both sides expressed their commitment to transforming these discussions into tangible projects that will bring economic and social benefits to the citizens of both nations.
Mfumukeko extended a formal invitation to the minister to visit Burundi, further solidifying the Burundian government’s enthusiasm for collaborative initiatives that will foster tourism development, economic growth, and stronger cultural ties between the two nations.
Ahmadu explained: “This meeting marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between Nigeria and Burundi, laying the groundwork for future collaboration aimed at boosting tourism and cultural cooperation across Africa.”