Kalilou Traore, ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, says the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will create a relevant platform for his country to further deepen cooperation with Nigeria.

Mr Traore made this known in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Abuja, given the country’s preparation to host the AFCON tournament from January 14 to February 13, 2024.

This, according to him, has become necessary for the two countries to harness the opportunity to further deepen diplomatic ties between them.

“The AFCON is also a big occasion for us to deepen cooperation. We will strengthen fraternity between our two countries.

“People who go to watch football matches will not just see the matches; they will meet other people and do business as well.

“So, as an embassy, we are organising with our partners; we are packaging for those who want to participate in Abidjan at AFCON,” he stated.

Mr Traore also said the embassy would organise a ‘fan zone’ where people can watch matches.

The governments of Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire had, as of August 1, 2013, signed a Bi-National Commission Framework Agreement to pave the way for both countries to clearly define their priorities and goals towards sustainable economic, social, and political relations.

The envoy said leaders of both countries at the levels of heads of state and heads of ministries have a mutual relationship, saying, “We have strong agreements and many agreements between Nigeria and the Côte d’Ivoire government.”

“Also, between Nigerian business associations, like the Chamber of Commerce, and their counterparts in Côte d’Ivoire.”

He said the two countries would have a joint commission next year to review “where we have implemented priorities or may have signed other agreements.”

(NAN)