- Safiu Kehinde
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has explained the reason behind the invitation of President Bola Tinubu to the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The minister disclosed this while addressing State House correspondents in Riyadh on Sunday.
According to him, Tinubu’s participation in the summit was based on Nigeria’s importance not just in Africa but on the global stage.
He also cited Nigeria’s close proximity and long standing relationship with the Middle East as another factor for the invite.
“I recall that Nigeria is the biggest black nation on earth, and we have a very close proximity with the Middle East and Nigeria has had a very long standing relationship with not just countries around the world but also the Middle East.
“Last year, precisely on Nov. 11, 2023, the President was here at the Africa-Saudi summit, then the conflict between Palestine and Israel was very fresh.
“Nigeria participated and in that summit, and it was agreed that there must be de-escalation of the conflict and return to the diplomatic table.
“Now one year down the line we have seen the kind of thing that has happened in Israel and in Palestine. We have seen the kind of loss of lives and destruction of property that everyone around the globe is talking about.
“And so when this summit was muted and Nigeria was invited, President Tinubu, consistent with his thinking, and being very humane, thinks that both countries must de escalate and must come back to the renegotiating table,” said the Minister.
Meanwhile, Idris said that Tinubu will be seeking a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Palestine at the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit which commence today.
According to him, the president was keen on seeking a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the conflict.
“So, Nigeria is seizing the moment to lend its voice as a very important player on the global stage to ensure that all countries of the world have a peaceful resolution to this matter,” Idris said.
He noted that Nigeria had been consistent in seeking a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within very secure borders.
According to him, unless a diplomatic solution is found, the conflict may engulf the entire region, and in effect the entire world.
NPO reported the arrival of Tinubu at Riyadh on Sunday where he joined other world leaders to proffer solution to the Middle East crisis.