By Lawal Sale
The Russian Federation has congratulated the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
In an official congratulatory message signed by Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign affairs minister and addressed to the Nigerian leadership, Lavrov noted that Russia was fully satisfied with the current level of relations between the two nations. The statement further highlighted that ties between Moscow and Abuja are built on “mutual respect, trust, and the closeness between the two countries including a broad range of regional and international issues.”
The message underscored Russia’s readiness to deepen political dialogue and expand practical cooperation in trade, economic development, and humanitarian engagement. Both countries, it noted that the two countries share a common interest in promoting stability, peace, and sustainable development on the African continent.
In his goodwill message, Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, expressed appreciation and pledged Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Russia, emphasising that Nigeria values the long existing partnership characterised by mutual respect, constructive dialogue and shared aspirations for global peace, stability, and common development.
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Russia countries were established on Nov. 25, 1960, and since then, the two countries had come a long way, strengthening mutual respect and the spirit of partnership among them.
In 2001, Russia and Nigeria signed the Declaration on the Principles of Friendly Relations and Partnership, which was an important milestone in the development of ties between the two countries.
Bilateral cooperation between the two countries covered a wide range of areas, including economy, trade, culture, education, science, security, peacekeeping, and sustainable development.
Also, special priority had been paid to humanitarian ties, with Russia since early 60’s offering hundreds of scholarships annually to Nigerian students, giving them the opportunity to receive quality education in various fields.
Nigeria is an active member of the Russia-Africa Economic Forum and had participated in the two forums in Sochi in 2019 and in St. Petersburg in 2023, respectively. (GSF)
