The government of Qatar has declined Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s request to visit the country for a business and investment meeting due to a legal disagreement.
Qatar, in a letter to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated its inability to welcome President Tinubu and host the proposed forum scheduled for March 2 and 3.
According to Qatar, the rejection stems from the absence of a legally binding agreement between the two countries for investment promotion.
The Qatari authorities highlighted other commitments of its Ministry of Commerce on the days President Tinubu intended to visit.
“The Embassy has the honour to inform that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar apologises that it will not be able to hold a Business and Investment Forum as proposed by Nigerian side.”
“There is no any agreement signed between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Investment Promotion and Protection,” the letter stated.
Qatar emphasized the lack of a signed agreement between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Investment Promotion and Protection.
Additionally, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Thani, will be on official missions abroad during the proposed visit period.
Furthermore, Qatar mentioned its hosting of a web summit during the same period as Mr. Tinubu’s planned visit, indicating the government’s busy schedule.
“The State of Qatar will be hosting a web summit during the suggested period and the state’s authorities will be preoccupied with this event,” the letter added.
Read statement below;
The failure to reschedule the forum to a more convenient time may suggest Qatar’s reluctance to engage in an economic alliance with Nigeria.