Presidency Clears The Air On Tinubu’s Planned Visit To Qatar

President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Digital Media and New Media, O’tega Ogra,has set the record straight on leaked diplomatic correspondence between the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja and our Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned state visit to Qatar between 2nd and 3rd of March, 2024.

Ogra reacted to the development in a writeup via his X handle that reads…

A state visit is a formal visit by a head of government or head of state to another country at the invitation of the host country. They are highly ceremonial and most times are Government-to-Government interaction to strengthen diplomatic relations, bilateral ties or sometimes push trade and strengthen cultural relations at the government level.

However, the visiting country can request to have additional non-government interaction e.g. business-to-business meetings with private sector players on both sides coordinated by both governments. It is left to the host country to do its best in putting its best foot forward in terms of representation of their companies. At such events, MOU’s can be signed or agreements for partnerships reached.

Kudos to Mr President for always trying to maximize every state visit in the best interest of all sectors of the Nigerian Economy.

So what’s the brouhaha about Qatar saying they are not sufficiently prepared to host a private sector engagement for businesses in both countries on the sidelines of the formal government-to-government meeting(s) which Nigeria requested for them to hold during the state visit that Qatar invited our Nigeria’s President to?

This is what happens when people can’t read the lines of diplomatic speak.

In any case, Nigeria and Qatar are currently engaging on discussions to establish a more concrete trade and investment environment and an agreement has almost been reached.

In SUMMARY

1. state visits are formal visits by heads of government or state to other countries to strengthen diplomatic relations, bilateral ties, and sometimes to push trade and cultural relations at the government level.

2. The visiting country may request additional non-government interaction, such as business-to-business meetings with private sector players from both sides.

3. The host country is responsible for representing its companies in the best possible way.

4. Nigeria and Qatar are currently engaged in discussions to establish a more concrete trade and investment environment, and an agreement has almost been reached