Tinubu Congratulates UK’s New Prime Minister, Seeks Stronger Bilateral Ties

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, on his assumption of office, expressing confidence that both countries will further strengthen their longstanding diplomatic and strategic partnership.

Tinubu conveyed his goodwill in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the President also congratulated the Government and people of the United Kingdom for conducting a peaceful and orderly leadership transition, describing the process as another demonstration of the resilience of British democratic institutions.

The statement said Tinubu expressed optimism that the new British administration would build on the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

“President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has extended warm congratulations to Rt. Honourable Andy Burnham on his assumption of office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,” the statement read.

The ministry noted that Tinubu recalled his recent engagement with the immediate past British Prime Minister and expressed confidence that the momentum of bilateral relations would be sustained under Burnham’s leadership.

The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United Kingdom in critical sectors, including trade, investment, security, education, technology, climate action and economic development.

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic engagement between both countries to address shared global challenges and promote prosperity for their citizens.

Tinubu described the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom as historic, noting that both nations have continued to work closely through diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges over the years.

The President further expressed his readiness to work with Prime Minister Burnham in advancing shared priorities and expanding opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria remains committed to deepening its partnership with the United Kingdom in line with the country’s foreign policy objectives and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

The statement added that the Federal Government looks forward to continued engagement with the new British government to promote peace, economic growth and sustainable development while strengthening the enduring ties that have existed between both nations for decades.