NIGERIA AND PALESTINE STRENGTHEN BILATERIAL RELATIONS AND CONSULAR COOPERATION

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, on 4 February 2026 received the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Nigeria, His Excellency Muhannad Halmouri, who is on a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

The meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the State of Palestine, while also providing an opportunity to review consular, humanitarian, and regional issues of mutual concern.

During the meeting, the Palestinian Ambassador conveyed warm greetings from the Palestinian leadership and expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s longstanding and principled support for the Palestinian cause. He recalled the historic nature of Nigeria-Palestine relations, dating back to the era of President Yasser Arafat, and commended Nigeria’s consistent moral and diplomatic stance at international fora.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories also featured prominently in the discussions. The Ambassador briefed the Honourable Minister on the prevailing conditions, including ongoing security challenges and constraints on humanitarian access, while acknowledging Nigeria’s constructive position and support for efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully, grounded in international law and ethical considerations.

Looking ahead, the Ambassador conveyed the Palestinian Government’s interest in a prospective visit by the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Nigeria. He indicated that such a visit could include high-level engagements and possible interaction with Nigeria’s National Assembly, in line with established diplomatic protocols.

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs in his remarks reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring support for the Palestinian people and reiterated the country’s commitment to justice, peaceful coexistence, and respect for international law. He assured the Palestinian Ambassador that the issues raised would be examined through appropriate diplomatic and administrative channels, in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy principles.

The meeting concluded in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the warm and enduring relations between Nigeria and the State of Palestine, as well as the shared commitment to sustained dialogue and cooperation.