Colombian Vice President arrives in Abuja for three-day official visit

Francia Márquez, the Vice President of Colombia, landed in Abuja on Saturday to commence a three-day official mission focused on enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Colombia.

Accompanied by her husband, Mr. Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró, Mrs. Márquez arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport where she was warmly welcomed by esteemed Nigerian dignitaries. Among those present were Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology; Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory; and Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA.

This visit marks a turning point aimed at expanding diplomatic and strategic partnerships across a variety of sectors. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, shared that key discussions will encompass governance, trade, agriculture, energy, education, and security, among other crucial fields.

The Colombian delegation is joined by cabinet members, senior officials, and private sector entrepreneurs, all set to engage in bilateral talks with Nigerian counterparts.

A prominent aspect of the visit will be the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering essential areas including women’s empowerment, commerce, aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, and cultural exchange.

Scheduled activities also feature a plenary meeting between both Vice Presidents, the Nigeria-Colombia Business Forum, direct government discussions, and executive business gatherings organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. Additionally, a dedicated summit on Artificial Intelligence forms part of the official program.