Nigeria reaffirm commitment to strengthening longstanding friendship with Republic of Korea

The Federal Government, has reaffirmed its commitment towards strengthening longstanding friendship with the Republic of Korea.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment during the Republic of Korea National Day reception in Abuja.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu who was represented by the Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Babagana Wakil, said the occasion presented a valuable opportunity to celebrate the longstanding friendship between the Republic of Korea and Nigeria and to further strengthen the cordial bilateral relations.

The minister recalled that Nigeria and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations in 1980, adding that over the past 46 years, both countries have maintained cordial relations through high-level exchanges, mutual cooperation and collaboration on issues of common interest.

Nigeria, Odumegwu-Ojukwu also said, recognised Korea’s remarkable achievements in industrialization, technology, manufacturing and infrastructure development, which offer valuable lessons for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

She further said that Nigeria and the Republic of Korea have continued to collaborate at multilateral platforms, particularly the United Nations, in promoting international peace, security and sustainable development, while also saying that both countries share a commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted areas of cooperation between both countries such as trade and investment where both countries have maintained mutually beneficial relations, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors; in agriculture, where she said Nigeria is interested in benefiting from Korea’s expertise in mechanization, improved rice production and agro-processing to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity; in education, digital technology and human capacity development through scholarships, technical aids training, academic exchanges and research partnerships and in the area of maritime safety and security, which she said Nigeria and Korea shared common interests in safe shipping, secure waterways and the protection of maritime infrastructure.

“I wish to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding friendship with the Republic of Korea. We will continue to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, technology, agriculture, education and maritime security, particularly in areas that align with the priority objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The minister stated that Nigeria also remained committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Korean nationals residing in the country and looked forward to continued cooperation with the Korean authorities in promoting the welfare and legitimate interests of Nigerians resident in the Republic of Korea.

Speaking earlier, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Jeon Yoan, said Korea endured colonial rule, national division, and the devastating Korean War.

He recalled that in 1953, Korea remained divided, much of the country laid in ruins, and annual income per person was below one hundred US dollars.

“It was difficult to imagine how Korea could rise again.

“But we did not give up.

“We believed in our people. We believed in education. And above all, we believed in a better future.

“Thanks to the efforts of our people and the generous support of the international community, Korea was able to rebuild and make remarkable progress,” Yoan said.

On Nigeria-South Korea diplomatic relations, the envoy said Korea and Nigeria established diplomatic relations in 1980.

He also said that over the years, the friendship between the Republic of Korea and Nigeria has grown through cooperation, mutual respect, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Nigeria has a proud history, rich cultures, and remarkable people.

“Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its people, especially its talented and energetic young generation.

“We respect Nigeria’s own vision for its future and are proud to work together as equal partners,” the envoy also said.

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