To strengthen bilateral relations and foster connectivity between Africa and South America, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Festus Keyamo has met with his Brazilian counterpart, the Minister of Ports and Airports of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mr. Silvio Costa Filho, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Brasília to finalise a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that has long been stalled by bureaucratic bottlenecks.
According to Tunde Moshood , the special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, who disclosed this in a press release, both Ministers recalled the deep historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil and agreed on the urgent need to operationalize a direct air link between the two nations.
Hence , the Ministers jointly announced the immediate constitution of a technical working group tasked with drafting and harmonizing the BASA for signature within the coming weeks. This development is seen an herald to the commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil , a major milestone that will open up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
While speaking through an interpreter during the bilateral engagement, Keyamo emphasised the mutual benefits of the initiative.He Highlighted the unique cultural connection between the two nations.
Beyond air connectivity, both Ministers expressed keen interest in exploring additional areas of cooperation in aviation and aerospace development, including knowledge exchange, technical training, infrastructure development, and investment opportunities.
“This is going to be a symbiotic relationship that will be beneficial to you and beneficial to us. Nigeria is the largest country in Africa and Brazil is one of the biggest in South America. No matter how we want to look at it, this air-link must commence without delay.
“Nigeria and Brazil share a common history. We are like brothers and sisters. There is a particular tribe in Nigeria , the Yoruba who live here in Brazil and still speak the same language. We are like twins separated at birth and now reunited.”, Keymo said.
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