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Stakeholders of Oro ethnic group have urged the Federal Government to probe the circumstances surrounding the delay in the take-off of University of Maritime Studies (UMSO), Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

Under the aegis of Oro Stakeholders’ Forum (OSF) for the Actualisation of UMSO, they said the university was created by an Act of the National Assembly and assented to in 2023, yet remained dormant.

In a position paper endorsed by the forum’s Chairman, Sir Asuquo Obon and Secretary, Prince Utin Ntofon, the stakeholders said Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron ought to have transitioned into UMSO following the 2022 Act.

The forum described MAN Oron as an illegal institution in the state and urged the Federal Government to probe those behind the running of the academy, in line with the ongoing probe of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The forum said: ‘A university that exists in law must exist in reality. The people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria deserve answers.

‘UMSO was established under the 2022 Act, which repealed Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron and provided for a full transition into a university system under the supervision of education and transport (now Marine and Blue Economy) ministries, National Universities Commission (NUC) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

‘But more than three years after presidential assent, the institution is yet to begin full academic operations.’

OSF said the delay was ‘hard to justify,’ noting the upgrade followed a process dating back to 2008 and had survived years of consultations, hearings and legislative approvals.

‘The expectation was simple: appoint vice chancellor, other principal officers, set up governance structures and begin academic work. But instead, we are still waiting,’ the forum said.

The stakeholders cited a 2024 inspection by National Universities Commission (NUC), Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which reportedly found the institution’s facilities ‘excellent and fit for purpose.’

They alleged that former Maritime Academy Rector, Duja Effedua, resigned in 2024 amid ‘attempts to stall the transition,’ while subsequent efforts to operationalise the university have stalled.

‘We have met the Senate President twice on this matter. Nothing has changed,’ OSF said.

The forum demanded answers from key institutions, asking pointedly: ‘What has the Education Ministry done? What is NIMASA’s role? Why are governing structures not in place? Who is authorising expenditure under a repealed academy law?’

It called for a public implementation timeline and full disclosure of officials responsible for delays.

OSF flagged what it called a ‘legal contradiction’ in the continued funding of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria despite its repeal under the UMSO Act.

Budget figures reportedly show allocations of N1.63billion (2024), N3.11billion (2025) and N2.73billion proposed for 2026.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro had warned that continued funding of a repealed institution could raise legal consequences for the National Assembly.

Yet the academy continues to operate, admit students and defend budgets, with Acting Rector Kevin Okonna.

OSF referenced the PFIPC controversy, where a purported federal agency allegedly secured budgetary allocation despite being described by the Presidency as fictitious.

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is investigating alleged forgery and impersonation linked to the body’s self-styled director-general, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, while House of Representatives probes how it entered the national budget.

‘If a non-existent agency can penetrate government systems, why is a real university being blocked?’ OSF asked.

‘The same urgency used to chase PFIPC must be applied here. Those responsible must accordingly be identified and thoroughly prosecuted.’

The forum warned that the continued delay in the implementation of UMSO undermines maritime education, economic development and public confidence in government.

‘UMSO is not an Akwa Ibom project. It is a national asset,’ OSF said. ‘Nigeria’s maritime future cannot remain on hold.’

It demanded immediate appointment of a Vice Chancellor, constitution of a governing council, and full implementation of a university status.

‘The law has been made,’ the group said. ‘What remains is deliberate implementation, not deliberate obstruction.’

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has warned against the growing politicisation and weaponisation of religion in Nigeria’s electoral process, cautioning stakeholders against exploiting faith to manipulate voters ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation said the increasing use of religious platforms to mobilise political support threatens the country’s democracy, national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

CISLAC said political campaigns should centre on development priorities, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, poverty reduction, employment, security and accountability, rather than religious sentiments and partisan endorsements.

The organisation raised concerns about reported gatherings of religious leaders in parts of the North to endorse political figures and parties, citing instances allegedly linked to political activities in Plateau and Jigawa states.

According to CISLAC, such practices risk reducing religious authority to an instrument of political patronage and electoral mobilisation.

‘Religious leadership is a position of trust and moral guidance, not a commercial platform for vote canvassing or the promotion of political violence and intimidation,’ the statement read.

The organisation urged religious leaders to resist attempts by politicians to exploit their influence and instead use their platforms to demand accountability, justice, competent leadership and improved welfare for citizens.

CISLAC also condemned the alleged intimidation of residents in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where individuals were allegedly threatened with eviction if they failed to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

It described the alleged threats as a serious assault on citizens’ constitutional rights to freely choose their political representatives, participate in elections and reside peacefully in their communities.

‘No political party, candidate or individual has the right to demand exclusive political loyalty from citizens under the threat of expulsion, intimidation or violence,’ CISLAC stated.

Rafsanjani called on the Federal and state governments, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other regulatory authorities to take decisive measures against the alleged use of religious institutions for electoral manipulation, inducement, intimidation and the spread of falsehoods.

The organisation urged political parties and candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns and submit themselves to scrutiny over their records, policies, competence and capacity to deliver good governance.

CISLAC appealed to citizens to reject attempts to use religion or ethnicity as a substitute for political accountability, stressing that religious sentiments should not blind voters to the socioeconomic challenges confronting their communities.

The organisation warned that continued commercialisation and weaponisation of religion for electoral gain could deepen divisions, undermine democratic institutions and threaten peaceful coexistence across the country.

It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring electoral developments and advocating for a democratic culture rooted in competence, transparency, accountability and the genuine interests of Nigerians.

Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of inconsistency over his proposal to reintroduce government support for petrol prices if elected president in 2027.

Adebayo said Atiku’s latest position on fuel subsidy contradicted the position he canvassed during the 2023 presidential election, when he promised to remove subsidy on his first day in office.

He spoke on Wednesday during an interview with News Central, against the backdrop of renewed debate over the future of petrol pricing and the impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians.

Atiku, who is now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently said he would restore a form of subsidy if elected president, arguing that Nigeria had enough resources to cushion the effect of high fuel prices on citizens.

The proposal has generated debate among political parties and economic commentators, particularly as the cost of petrol and its impact on transportation, food prices and household expenses remain major concerns.

Adebayo, however, questioned the rationale behind Atiku’s change of position.

He said the former vice-president had previously presented subsidy removal as necessary to address economic distortions and improve the efficiency of the petroleum sector.

‘Four years ago, he said he would remove subsidy on day one and sell NNPC. Now, four years later, he is in another party saying, ‘No, I am going to restore subsidy,” Adebayo said.

He described the development as a contradiction, arguing that a policy Atiku once considered unsustainable could not suddenly become desirable simply because the political environment had changed.

‘Something that was in place, you said you will remove it. Now your colleague removed it. Now you say you want to put it back. Inconsistency,’ he said.

‘

Atiku has, however, sought to distinguish his proposal from the subsidy regime that existed before its removal.

The former vice-president has argued that Nigeria should take advantage of its crude oil resources to reduce the cost of refined petroleum products for citizens.

Rather than sustaining what he described as an inefficient subsidy arrangement, Atiku has advocated policies that would support domestic refining and make petroleum products more affordable.

His position followed growing concerns over the consequences of subsidy removal, including increased transportation costs, higher food prices and pressure on businesses dependent on petrol and diesel.

The subsidy was removed by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023, shortly after he assumed office.

The decision triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices and has remained one of the most contentious economic policies of the administration.

Although the Federal Government has repeatedly defended the policy as necessary to reduce pressure on public finances and redirect resources to development, opposition politicians have continued to demand measures to cushion its impact on Nigerians.

The disagreement between Adebayo and Atiku has added a new dimension to the emerging economic debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Fuel subsidy is expected to feature prominently in the campaigns, with presidential contenders under pressure to explain how they intend to balance fiscal sustainability with the welfare of Nigerians.

For many households, petrol prices have a direct effect on the cost of transportation and food, while businesses also factor energy costs into the prices of goods and services.

Supporters of subsidy argue that government intervention can shield citizens from international oil price volatility and reduce the cost of living.

Opponents, however, contend that the old subsidy system drained public resources, encouraged corruption and disproportionately benefited those who consumed more fuel.

Adebayo said politicians seeking the presidency should be judged by the consistency and sustainability of their economic policies rather than what may be politically convenient at a particular time.

He also questioned whether a government could sustainably finance subsidy payments without creating additional pressure on the nation’s finances.

The SDP candidate’s comments come as opposition parties reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 election and seek to present alternative economic programmes to voters.

The ADC, SDP and other opposition platforms are expected to continue selling their economic propositions to Nigerians as the campaign gathers momentum.

With the cost-of-living crisis likely to remain a major electoral issue, the debate over whether to retain the current petrol pricing regime, reintroduce some form of subsidy or adopt alternative interventions is expected to intensify in the months ahead.

The controversy also places the competing presidential candidates under greater scrutiny over their previous positions on subsidy and their plans for managing the country’s oil resources.

The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Senator Salihu Mustapha’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not weaken the party’s prospects in Kwara Central ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party said stakeholders and constituents in the senatorial district remained committed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the APC governorship candidate, Salihu Yakubu Danladi.

Baba Gobir Abdullahi, chairman of the 193 APC ward chairmen in Kwara State, and Ibrahim Sulyman Salah, councillor representing Gambari Ward I in Ilorin East Local Government Area, declared the position separately.

Abdullahi reaffirmed the loyalty of the 51 APC ward chairmen in Kwara Central to AbdulRazaq, dismissing Mustapha’s defection as incapable of undermining the party’s strength in the district.

Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central in the Senate, hails from Gambari Ward I.

Abdullahi described the ward chairmen as the ‘engine room’ of the APC in Kwara Central, saying they were responsible for grassroots mobilisation and voter engagement.

He rejected claims that Mustapha’s victory in the 2023 senatorial election was a personal achievement, arguing that it was secured through the collective efforts of the APC, AbdulRazaq’s leadership and grassroots party members.

According to him, Mustapha’s decision to leave the APC was a personal political choice and did not reflect the aspirations of voters across Kwara Central.

He urged residents of the senatorial district not to be distracted by what he described as the ‘political tourism’ of individuals who prioritise personal interests over the collective progress of the people.

‘Do not be distracted by the political tourism of individuals who prioritise their personal comfort over your collective progress. The APC remains the only party that puts the welfare of the ordinary Kwarans at the centre of governance,’ he said.

Salah, who spoke on behalf of stakeholders from Gambari Ward I and other communities across Kwara Central, said their support for AbdulRazaq was based on what they described as the visible impact of his administration.

‘We are not here because of politics. We are here because the dividends of democracy are now visible, measurable, and touching the lives of ordinary Kwarans,’ he said.

He cited road construction, urban renewal, healthcare, education and economic empowerment as areas where the administration had, in their assessment, recorded significant progress.

Salah said 113.57 kilometres of roads had been completed in Kwara Central, while another 65.5 kilometres were under construction.

He said the projects had supported businesses, youths and vulnerable residents across the district.

Salah subsequently announced a vote of confidence in AbdulRazaq and urged the governor to sustain the pace of development, particularly by completing ongoing projects and expanding empowerment programmes for youths and women.

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to develop and implement Small Hydropower (SHP) projects, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with funding support from the European Union (EU), has organised a capacity-building workshop on SHP development.

The workshop, which featured the Balanga Dam SHP project in Gombe State as a case study, brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors in the renewable energy space.

It aimed to raise awareness of the viability of SHP as a reliable means of generating electricity and driving economic growth, while promoting the exchange of experiences and knowledge in SHP project development.

Participants examined the strategic importance of small hydropower in advancing rural development and supporting agro-industrial activities.

UNIDO’s Representative and Sub-regional Director, Ambasador Philbert Johnson, highlighted Nigeria’s significant renewable energy potential, including hydropower, wind, solar and biomass.

‘Among these renewable energy sources, SHP holds great potential towards providing access to electricity and addressing climate change,’ he said.

He noted that recent government estimates place Nigeria’s total hydropower potential at 24,000 MW, of which small hydropower accounts for about 3,500 MW.

Johnson stressed the need to develop effective strategies that bridge existing gaps and incorporate international best practices.

‘The project is being implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Rural Electrification Agency as well as key States where the power plants will be located, such as Gombe,’ he added.

Highlighting the critical importance of energy for economic growth and sustainable development, he said: ‘Fortunately, Nigeria is endowed with a tremendous amount of renewable energy resources such as hydropower, solar, biomass and wind. Among these energy sources, Small Hydropower (SHP) holds great potential towards increasing access to electricity and addressing climate change.

‘Recent government estimates indicate a hydropower potential of approximately 24,000MW, of which SHP accounts for about 15 percent.

‘However, in spite of this great potential, electricity access in Nigeria is still less than 60 percent, resulting in a significant gap between supply and demand.

‘It is in this context that UNIDO with funding support of the European Union (EU) is organising this workshop, focused on raising awareness among policy makers, project developers and financial institutions on the viability of small hydropower as an effective means of generating electricity and enhancing economic development.’

Amb. Johnson explained that the choice of this event in Gombe state clearly highlights the commitment of Gombe state to advancing clean technologies to generate energy that will boost economic development for residents of the state.

He said: ‘The choice of this event in Gombe is also to practically enhance participant knowledge and skills for the effective development and implementation of small hydropower projects, using the 620kW Balanga Dam SHP project as a case study.

‘The Balanga Dam Small Hydropower Project is more than a mere energy infrastructure initiative. It provides us with a hands-on opportunity to examine how our water resources can be optimally harnessed to support economic transformation, improve livelihoods and strengthen energy security,’ he said.

Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, thanked the European Union Delegation, UNIDO, the Global Environment Facility and the Rural Electrification Agency for their generous contributions, without which this vital Project would not have been possible.

On the importance of the workshop and the SHP Balanga Dam project, he said: ‘It is a great honor for us to host this important Capacity Building Workshop on Small Hydropower Development, and to also host the 4th Meeting of the Project Steering Committee.

‘By choosing Balanga Dam SHP as a case study, you have put Gombe State on the national map for renewable energy and sustainable water management. We do not take this lightly.

‘The Balanga Dam Small Hydropower Project is extremely strategic to us. Beyond generating clean electricity, it supports irrigation, water supply, flood control, and livelihoods for our people.’

Dr. Jatau expressed the continued commitment of the Gombe State Government to the successful completion of the project.

He said: ‘We will provide the enabling environment for the speedy completion of the Balanga Small Hydro Project (SHP) as well as the agro-processing cluster which will serve as the primary off taker of the electricity generated.

‘We will integrate SHP development into our rural electrification and irrigation master plan. We will ensure community ownership so that the project is protected, sustained, and delivers benefits to the host communities.’

Ondo State Government has banned cash payments in public schools as part of measures to curb extortion and illegal levies imposed on pupils and students by authorities.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said this at a meeting with the executives of Association of Bursars of Secondary Schools, in Akure.

Ajibefun, who frowned at the illegal and unauthorised collection of fees by some school authorities, noted that the government had introduced a ‘digital payment gateway’ for financial transactions in schools.

‘We have put heads together to come up with a payment gateway. From now on, every payment will have to pass through the gateway, and we have placed a ban on cash payments,’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Akindele Ige, urged school bursars to engage other stakeholders in ensuring they understood the new digital payment platform.

The Chairman of Association of Bursars of Secondary Schools, Fisayo Fapounda, described the initiative as a positive step in improving transparency in school financial management.

Son of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, Siraheem, has announced his decision to stop releasing new music, effectively ending his active career as a recording artiste.

Okoya made the announcement in a statement shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, saying he could no longer balance music with his other commitments.

‘My career began simply, music was a hobby I made with my boys as a means of bonding and connection before it was anything else,’ he wrote.

He described the last few years as ‘a magical one’, citing performances at major live shows and recognition from artistes he admired growing up.

‘I never imagined I’d one day be recognized by the very artists I grew up admiring. To you, I owe that and I’m grateful beyond words,’ he added.

The singer said the decision was informed by his belief in giving his best to any endeavor.

‘I’ve always believed in giving everything my best and I no longer feel I can give this craft the effort, patience, and dedication it truly deserves,’ he said.

‘So I owe it to my true fans, and to my colleagues in this industry a professional exit, I have decided to stop putting out new music.’

Despite the exit, Okoya said his creative ambitions remain, revealing plans to diversify into other fields and hinted at new ventures.

He also indicated that an album recorded over the past year may still be released.

‘Music still remains therapeutic for me. With time, maybe the album finds its way into the world somehow after all. This past year, we’ve been locked in and I believe I’m sitting on the best material of my career, it will be a shame to never share it’, he added.

Okoya thanked his fans, colleagues, and associates including Mr. Fantasy and Mr. Miyagi for their support.

‘To everyone who supported me, who put resources and belief behind me: thank you. I am truly grateful for the chance to chase one of my dreams all the way here,’ he said.

He concluded by leaving room for a possible return.

‘The ‘siraheem music’ era may be closing, but the creative in me is still hungry for new challenges… Who knows what the future still holds. Never say never’, he added.

Martin O’Neill has admitted responsibility for Celtic’s Champions League defeat to LASK, which ended their hopes of reaching the group stage.

Celtic suffered a disappointing loss to the Austrian side, leaving them eliminated from Europe’s premier club competition.

O’Neill accepted the blame for the outcome, saying the defeat was ultimately his responsibility after Celtic failed to deliver the required performance.

The result is a setback for Celtic, who had hoped to progress further in the competition under O’Neill.

The Celtic manager will now have to focus on rebuilding confidence within the squad and ensuring the team responds positively in their upcoming fixtures.

Nigerian lawyers have called for stronger trust between taxpayers and tax authorities, saying a fair and accessible tax system is necessary to encourage Nigerians to pay their taxes willingly and improve government revenue.

The lawyers also backed the voluntary tax compliance campaign being promoted by the Office of the Tax Ombud, stressing that taxation remains an important source of funds for government to provide infrastructure and essential social services.

The position was expressed during a panel session titled ‘Pay Now, Prosper Later’ at the ongoing 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The development was contained in a press release issued by the Office of the Tax Ombud on Tuesday and signed by its Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Chukwudi Achife.

Speaking at the session, the Tax Ombud, Nwabueze, said taxpayers needed a trusted and independent channel through which they could raise complaints about tax administration without necessarily having to go through lengthy legal processes.

He said the Office of the Tax Ombud was established to provide taxpayers with an impartial avenue for resolving complaints arising from administrative and procedural problems in the tax system.

According to him, removing such difficulties would help build confidence between taxpayers and the agencies responsible for collecting taxes.

‘It is our belief that the Office will contribute significantly towards bridging the gap between taxpayers and tax administration, making the tax system more accessible and trusted,’ Nwabueze said.

He added that the office was committed to ensuring that tax complaints were handled openly and fairly, with the broader objective of improving confidence in Nigeria’s tax system.

The Tax Ombud disclosed that since it began receiving complaints from members of the public in January, it had received 22 cases, of which 14 had already been resolved.

He said the office was also engaging relevant stakeholders and increasing public awareness to ensure that more Nigerians understood its role and could take advantage of its services when they encountered problems with tax administration.

Nwabueze explained that the Tax Ombud was not a court and did not replace existing judicial or tax dispute resolution institutions. Rather, he said, its role was to provide an early and independent avenue for resolving disputes before they became lengthy court cases.

He said this could also help reduce the number of tax-related matters reaching the courts and other bodies responsible for settling disputes.

The development comes as Nigeria continues to seek ways of increasing domestic revenue and encouraging more individuals and businesses to comply with their tax obligations. Improving public confidence in the tax system is important to achieving voluntary compliance, particularly where taxpayers believe that complaints can be heard and resolved fairly.

The Office of the Tax Ombud said it would continue to work towards making the tax administration system easier for Nigerians to navigate while promoting fairness, transparency and accountability.

Nwabueze urged taxpayers to make use of the office whenever they encountered administrative or procedural difficulties in their dealings with tax authorities.

He said growing awareness of the Tax Ombud’s functions would help strengthen the relationship between taxpayers and government and contribute to a more trusted tax environment.

Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to deepen bilateral relations in technology, agriculture, commerce, renewable energy, and other strategic sectors, with Vice President Kashim Shettima calling for a comprehensive review of the relationship between the two countries.

Shettima said the existing partnership should be elevated beyond traditional trade in crude oil and agricultural commodities to take advantage of opportunities in Information and Communications Technology, renewable energy, solid minerals and other sectors.

The Vice President spoke on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he received a delegation from the Kingdom of Thailand led by its Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, H.E. Yousef Hassan Khalawi.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima said Nigeria was particularly interested in leveraging Thailand’s comparative advantage in intermediate technology, especially in agriculture and related sectors.

He acknowledged the cordial relations between both countries but stressed the need to reassess the partnership at a strategic level to reflect their economic potential.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, ‘I believe that our relationship should go beyond transactions in crude oil, rice production and so on. So, we need to review our bilateral relationship at a strategic level.

‘Nigeria is a large market. There are enormous opportunities for partnership and investment in agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, and solid minerals, and we have a young population and workforce’, Shettima said.

The Vice President urged the government and business community in Thailand to increase their investments and commercial engagements with Nigeria, citing the country’s strategic position in Africa, large population, youthful workforce and abundant natural resources.

Thailand, in turn, proposed a new framework, called the Thailand-Africa Initiative, through which it hopes to strengthen its relations with Nigeria and other key African countries.

The initiative is expected to promote people-to-people relations, economic ties and cooperation, particularly in agriculture, while also exploring Thailand’s strengths in Universal Health Coverage and tourism.

Khalawi, who is on his first visit to Africa, praised what he described as the ongoing transformation in Nigeria under the Tinubu administration.

He described Nigeria as a strategic partner for Thailand, a strong voice in the Global South and an emerging leader in e-commerce.

According to him, Thailand sees Nigeria not only as an important bilateral partner but also as a strategic entry point for expanding its engagement with the African continent, particularly West Africa.

‘For us in Thailand, we believe that Nigeria is a strategic partner bilaterally and an important window to strengthening ties with Africa, particularly West Africa,’ he said.

The Thai Deputy Prime Minister said the proposed Thailand-Africa Initiative would seek to expand economic cooperation and business relations as well as strengthen ties between the peoples of Thailand and African countries.

He identified agriculture as an important component of the initiative, adding that Thailand was also prepared to explore cooperation in areas where it had developed significant expertise, including Universal Health Coverage and tourism.

Other officials at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria, Mr. Thirapath Mongkolnavin, as well as senior officials of the foreign affairs ministries of both countries.