Just in: Pres. Buhari departs Abuja for UAE on condolence visit, felicitations to new President

President Muhammadu Buhari will later  on Thursday fly to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to meet the new President of the country, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and also condole with the government and people on the exit of their former President.

The president will meet the new President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to convey his condolences on the passing of the former president and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The President will also extend his congratulations to the new President, renewing bonds of the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and the UAE.

He is expected back in the country on Saturday.

Earlier in a congratulatory message to the new UAE leader, Buhari had reaffirmed Nigeria’s cordial relationship with the country.

The cooperation between both governments has helped Nigeria in tracking down illegal assets and tracing terrorist funds, the president said.

Under the new leadership, Buhari says he looks forward to a bigger and stronger partnership for peace, stability, and prosperity for both countries.

Buhari will be accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika.

Other members of the delegation are the National Security Adviser, retired Maj.- Gen. Mohammed Monguno and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.