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• Nigeria ready to deepen trade, investment, security cooperation -Odumegwu-Ojukwu
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government has acknowledged the cooperation of the international community in processing Agrément for Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominees, saying the prompt response reflects the goodwill the country continues to enjoy in its relations with other nations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this during her maiden briefing with members of the diplomatic corps in Abuja.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, said the government was also taking steps to ensure that ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Nigeria commence their duties without unnecessary administrative delays.
“I wish to acknowledge the cooperation received from your respective governments in processing Agrément for Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominees. The prompt attention accorded these requests demonstrates the goodwill that continues to characterise our relations.
“On our part, the Government is taking steps to facilitate the effective commencement of duties by ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Nigeria, including greater regularity in the presentation of Letters of Credence.
“We recognise the importance of enabling Heads of Mission to commence their representational responsibilities without administrative delay,” she said.
The minister also assured the diplomatic community of the government’s commitment to their safety and welfare, saying Nigeria remained conscious of its obligations under the Vienna Conventions to protect diplomatic and consular personnel, their families, premises and property.
She urged diplomats to promptly bring security concerns and other challenges encountered during their assignments to the attention of the ministry for engagement with the relevant government and security agencies.
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“We want you to feel safe, enjoy your assignments and ultimately leave Nigeria with positive memories of our country and our people,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy, saying Nigeria wanted diplomats to experience the country’s cultural richness beyond official engagements while also appreciating the diversity represented by foreign missions.
On economic and international cooperation, the minister said Nigeria remained open to trade, investment, tourism, technology, knowledge exchange and other meaningful partnerships, but stressed that such engagements must be founded on reciprocity, sovereign equality and mutual respect.
She said growing geopolitical tensions, conflicts, terrorism, climate change, cyber insecurity, irregular migration and economic uncertainty had reinforced the need for stronger international cooperation.
“Nigeria will therefore continue to champion dialogue, multilateralism and peaceful resolution of disputes, while remaining active within ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other international institutions.
“We will continue to advocate an international system in which Africa’s voice is heard and the continent participates meaningfully in shaping global decisions,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria was prepared to expand cooperation with its international partners across critical sectors.
“We are ready to work with each of you to deepen trade and investment, strengthen cooperation on peace and security, advance education, health and technological innovation, and create greater opportunities for our peoples,” she said.
