President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received the Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, in a significant diplomatic engagement that comes despite Mali's recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

During the ceremony in Abuja, President Tinubu conveyed a message to Malian leader General Assimi Goita, reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to supporting Mali's democratic transition process and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

"We should strengthen our bilateral relations, and it is hoped that Mali will achieve its democratic goals. We are open to any support we can render. I want you to see yourself as a member of the family here," Tinubu stated.

The Nigerian President emphasized the importance of regional unity, noting: "For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has made its position clear, but no nation can succeed alone. We see Mali as a brother and are ready to collaborate and exchange ideas."

This diplomatic outreach is particularly significant as Mali was among the countries that recently pulled out of ECOWAS following a military coup that brought General Goita to power.

Ambassador Coulibaly expressed gratitude for Nigeria's consistent leadership in the sub-region and across the continent. He conveyed fraternal greetings from General Goita and appreciation from the Malian people for Nigeria's leadership and support.

"The Head of State particularly told me that I was on a mission to the biggest country in Africa. He said he knows it's not easy, but I should look for solutions as a diplomat. We know that Africans must solve African problems," Coulibaly remarked.

The Malian envoy also acknowledged Nigeria's significant contributions to peacekeeping missions across the continent and the subregion.

During the same ceremony, President Tinubu also received letters of credence from five other envoys, including representatives from the Netherlands, Tanzania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, and Switzerland. He used the occasion to call for closer international cooperation to promote global peace, understanding, and prosperity.

This diplomatic engagement underscores Nigeria's continued commitment to regional stability and its willingness to maintain bilateral relations with Mali despite the current political challenges in the West African region.