Nigeria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper cooperation as both countries prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by DPRK Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Jo Yong Sam, to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, in Abuja.
Ambassador Dunoma congratulated the envoy on his appointment and assured him of the Ministry’s support, expressing confidence that the relationship established in 1976 would continue to grow.
He acknowledged DPRK’s support for Nigeria’s candidatures in international organisations and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
“Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its longstanding relationship with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual benefit,” Dunoma said.
Focus on Culture, Trade and Cooperation
The Permanent Secretary called for the resumption of cultural exchanges, particularly in film and the creative arts, and proposed the convening of the Fifth Session of the Nigeria-DPRK Joint Commission in Pyongyang.
He also advocated stronger reciprocal cooperation, including land allocation for a permanent Nigerian Embassy in Pyongyang and increased employment opportunities for Nigerians at the DPRK Embassy in Abuja.
DPRK Pledges Continued Support
In his remarks, Ambassador-designate Jo Yong Sam praised Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and its growing influence on the global stage. He also commended the economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria and will continue to support Nigeria’s aspirations in international organisations, including its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
The envoy identified visa facilitation as a priority for promoting official exchanges and people-to-people contacts. He also proposed regular exchanges of congratulatory messages between the leaders of both countries during national celebrations and other significant occasions.
Responding, Ambassador Dunoma assured the envoy that the issues raised, including visa facilitation and official exchanges between both governments, would receive due consideration through appropriate diplomatic channels.
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