WorldStage Newsonline– Nigeria and Russia have reiterated commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.
A statement by Alkasam Abdulkadir, Special Assistant to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar said the this was disclosed following the minister’s working visit to Russia on March 6.
Tuggar while meeting his counterpart Mr Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, commended Nigeria-Russia cordial relations.
He said the relations started since Dec. 25, 1960, with moves for elective positions in UN specialised agencies.
He said Russia remained an important ally and strategic partner for Nigeria, especially in the fight against terrorism, and solidarity with Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu.
He disclosed that Nigeria is exploring possibility of joining Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) bloc, as well as become permanent member of the UN Security Council to ensure representation at highest levels of global decision-making.
The minister expressed Nigeria’s support for peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict while highlighting that both countries are significant exporters of grains worldwide.
He said the conflict affected Russia’s ability to sell its grains to Africa, while saying the Joint Commission between Nigeria and Russia was established to provide framework for implementation of the concluded bilateral agreements.
This, according to him, since its inception, the commission has held four sessions: 2014 in Moscow, 2006 in Abuja, 2009 in Moscow and in 2016 in Abuja, adding that it was Russia’s turn to host the next session.
He also expressed Nigeria’s determination to conclude all outstanding bilateral agreements and framework for deepening economic, cultural, and political ties for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Tuggar commended Russia’s commitment toward facilitating the continued financing and execution of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd. and the resuscitation of the Aluminium Smelting Company in Nigeria by AC Rusal.
He said Nigeria and Russia agreed to cooperate to build nuclear power plants in Nigeria, and that Russia State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) had signed the first Intergovernmental Agreement to cooperate in development of atomic energy for peaceful purposes in 2009.
The minister also said Nigeria is interested in partnering Russia on renewable energy, particularly on the peaceful use of nuclear power.
He disclosed military relations between Russia and Nigeria to have been dated back to the Soviet era, while appreciating the support received during the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.
He highlighted the longstanding military and defence cooperation between Russia and Nigeria, Russian Government’s support and assistance in intelligence sharing to have aided the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
He further sought Russia’s continuous cooperation in education and acknowledged Russia’s support through scholarships to Nigerian students over the years to have benefited not only Nigeria but humanity.
