The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has received in audience the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Vila Nova, and his wife, Maria de Fátima Vila Nova, at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja.
The visit came after President Vila Nova, on Friday, attended the wedding fatiha of the minister’s sons and daughters at the National Mosque, Abuja, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other dignitaries.
During the meeting, Matawalle and President Vila Nova discussed issues bordering on Nigeria’s security, growth and development, as well as strengthening cooperation between both countries.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe.
“I am honoured to host His Excellency President Carlos Vila Nova of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and his wife, Her Excellency Maria de Fátima Vila Nova, at my Abuja residence,” Matawalle said.
“We had fruitful discussions, and it is expected to yield positive results, as it used to be between the two countries,” he added.
The minister described the visit as particularly significant, coming at a time his family is celebrating the wedding of his children.
“I consider this visit as important as everything, especially at the time my family is celebrating the wedding of our sons and daughters,” Matawalle said.
“My family and I are deeply grateful for the honour of hosting Their Excellencies.”
Highlights of the visit included the exchange of gifts between Matawalle and President Vila Nova and his wife as a mark of mutual appreciation and diplomatic goodwill.
