Macron Hosts Tinubu To Private Dinner At Élysée Palace In Paris

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris provided an opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France.

Tinubu said the engagement also highlighted the commitment of both countries to expanding bilateral cooperation and building a partnership that delivers mutual benefits.

The Nigerian President, who is concluding his working vacation in Europe, was hosted by Macron to the private dinner at the Élysée Palace on Thursday night.

In a post on his verified X account on Friday, Tinubu said discussions with the French president focused on the relationship between the two countries and opportunities to further strengthen their partnership.

“It was a pleasure to share a private dinner with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace Présidence de la République in Paris,” Tinubu wrote.

“Our conversation reaffirmed the strong friendship between Nigeria and France, as well as our shared commitment to deepening cooperation and building a mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations.”

The engagement was first announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who described the meeting as a reflection of the enduring ties between Abuja and Paris.

The dinner marked another high-level interaction between Tinubu and Macron as Nigeria and France continue discussions aimed at expanding cooperation in strategic areas, including trade, investment and economic development.

Tinubu’s European trip began on August 30, when he departed Abuja for his annual leave. He initially travelled to London before moving to Paris for the final part of his vacation.

Economic cooperation and investment have featured prominently in Tinubu’s engagements with France, with the Nigerian government seeking to attract international capital by highlighting the country’s economic reforms, large consumer market and investment opportunities.

The latest meeting also builds on the relationship established during Tinubu’s state visit to France in November 2024, when Macron received the Nigerian president for talks focused on strengthening political and economic ties.

During that visit, both countries discussed cooperation in sectors including agriculture, energy, infrastructure, security, education, solid minerals, finance and investment.

The two governments subsequently expressed interest in developing a broader and more mutually beneficial partnership between Nigeria and France.