French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for a private dinner at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday night. The meeting, which took place amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties between France and Nigeria, saw both leaders reaffirm their commitment to closer cooperation. The dinner, described by Tinubu as a pleasure, followed discussions aimed at deepening political and economic collaboration between the two nations.

The visit marks a continuation of diplomatic engagement between France and Nigeria, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of mutual interests in trade, security, and regional stability. Macron’s office confirmed the event, highlighting the strategic nature of the dialogue. Tinubu’s participation in the dinner underscores Nigeria’s growing diplomatic presence in Europe and its desire to solidify partnerships with key allies.

The meeting comes as France seeks to bolster its influence in West Africa, while Nigeria aims to diversify its international partnerships. Although no specific agreements were announced, the event signals a renewed focus on bilateral cooperation. Both leaders expressed optimism about future collaboration, particularly in addressing shared challenges such as economic development and security.