Nigeria has pledged to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the Russian Federation, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar said in a congratulatory message to Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Russia.
A statement by the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noted that the “Nigeria–Russia partnership has been marked by enduring cooperation, mutual respect and a shared commitment to sovereignty and mutual benefit.”
“From early collaborations in education, where Russia provided scholarships to generations of Nigerian students in engineering, medicine and the sciences, to joint efforts in infrastructure development and defence, our bilateral ties have delivered tangible benefits to our peoples,” the statement added.
Ambassador Tuggar recalled that following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was among the first nations to establish formal diplomatic relations with the newly sovereign state.
“That early act of solidarity laid the foundation for a relationship that has matured over six and a half decades through periods of global transformation,” he said.
He further stated, “In recent years, the partnership has expanded to new areas, including energy, security, agriculture, solid minerals development and counter-terrorism. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have further strengthened mutual understanding and appreciation.”
“The Nigerian government values the consistent support of the Russian Federation in international forums and recognises its role as a key global partner. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, there is immense potential to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, science and technology, and global peace and security.”
Minister Tuggar said the federal government looks with optimism towards a future of even greater cooperation, remaining committed to exploring new frontiers in the partnership and building upon the strong foundation established by predecessors.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening this historic bond of friendship and partnership for the prosperity and well-being of both nations.