President Bola Tinubu is set to push for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict at the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, which begins today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, spoke to reporters in Riyadh on Sunday, highlighting President Tinubu’s commitment to seeking a peaceful and negotiated settlement to the conflict.
“Nigeria is taking this opportunity to assert its voice as a significant player on the global stage, aiming to support a peaceful resolution to the crisis,” Idris stated.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding position advocating for a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully within secure borders.
Idris cautioned that without a diplomatic breakthrough, the conflict could escalate, destabilizing the entire region and potentially impacting global stability.
Explaining the significance of President Tinubu’s participation, Idris noted Nigeria’s prominent role both in Africa and on the global scene, which underscored the importance of the invitation to the summit.
“Nigeria is the largest black nation in the world, with strong ties to the Middle East. We have maintained longstanding relationships not only with nations in Africa but also with the broader Middle Eastern region,” Idris remarked.
He recalled Nigeria’s involvement in the Africa-Saudi Summit held on November 11, 2023, where discussions had already focused on the fresh escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict. At that time, Nigeria had called for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
“Now, a year later, we are witnessing the devastating impact of the conflict, including significant loss of life and widespread destruction. President Tinubu, driven by his humane perspective, believes it is crucial for both parties to de-escalate and return to the negotiating table,” Idris added.
President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday to attend the summit, which aims to address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
