French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday welcomed President Bola Tinubu to the country.
Macron greeted his counterpart at the historic Invalides memorial complex, with the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades.
The two national anthems rang out in the courtyard of one of Paris’s landmarks, kicking off a visit focused on encouraging economic partnerships between France and Africa’s most populous country.
During the reception, President Tinubu also inspected a guard of honour.
Macron has sought a “renewal” between Paris and Africa since his 2017 election and after military coups and changing attitudes lessened France’s influence on the continent.
The trip is “an opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria”, Macron’s office said.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my friend, President Macron @EmmanuelMacron , for the gracious welcome this splendid morning at the start of my state visit to France,” Tinubu wrote on his X handle.
“Nigeria and France have a rich history of collaboration across various sectors. I am eager to engage in our bilateral discussions and explore new avenues for partnership that can benefit both nations.”
Tinubu who arrived in France on Wednesday was received by top French government officials. He is in the European country for a three-day visit.
The Nigerian leader is visiting France at Macron where the duo is expected to discuss issues that will bolster political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
The West African country is the continent’s leading oil producer and has a robust film industry, dubbed “Nollywood”.
But challenges posed by insecurity and corruption have left 129 million Nigerians — more than half the country’s population — living below the poverty line.
For Nigeria, which has been battling soaring inflation and food prices, the visit represents an opportunity to tap economic investment.
Nigeria was looking to build ties in “agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation and energy transition,” Tinubu’s office said in a statement, adding that the president had landed in Paris on Wednesday evening.
He and Macron will also address “shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication,” it added.