From Aidoghie Paulinus,  Abuja

The Islamic Republic of Iran, has expressed hope that the result of the 2023 general election will lead to the stabilisation of the country and development of bilateral relations between Iran and Nigeria.

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Mohammed Alibak, made the expression during the 44th Iranian National Day in Abuja.

Alibak said: “I do hope that the results of the general election of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will lead to stability in the country and the development of bilateral relations.”

He noted that Iran has strong bilateral, multilateral and international relations with the Nigeria, as the largest country in West Africa and the most populous country on the continent, and has witness of good progress in the field of bilateral relations in the last two years.

“Among them, we increased trade exchanges between the two countries, hold the sixth meeting of the Iran-Nigeria Joint Commission in June 2022 and sign several documents in the fields of standards, cultural heritage, handicrafts and tourism, agriculture, sports and youth, cultural, technical and economic cooperation, the visit of the Honorable Minister of Oil of Nigeria to Tehran and the reciprocal visit of the Minister of Oil of I.R. of Iran to Nigeria, the visit of the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs of Nigeria to participate in the International Conference of Influential Women (January 2023), joint and constructive cooperation in regional and international forums and organizations such as the United Nations, OPEC, D-8 and etc.” 

Earlier, Alibak said 44 years ago, the peaceful protests of the Iranian people came to fruition and the Islamic Revolution overthrew the dictatorial government of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the Islamic Republic of Iran was formed with free elections of more than 98 percent of the people’s votes.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has played an incomparable role in ensuring the stability and security of the region and the world at the forefront of the fight against the sinister phenomena of terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking and paying a heavy spiritual and material price. – The memory of the national and transnational hero of the fight against terrorism and extremism, the martyr General Qassem Soleimani and all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in this way to ensure peace and security in the region and the world, for a life with peace and comfort for the people who even, they don’t know, we cherish them.

“The people’s government of Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, in line with the preservation of the original values of the Islamic Revolution and providing the maximum benefits of the great nation of Iran, by adopting transformational programs and balanced foreign policy, dynamic diplomacy and intelligent interaction, prioritizes the expansion of foreign relations with the Asian region and has friendly and interactive countries, especially neighbors. At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to expand its balanced and good relations with countries in other regions, including Africa, Latin America, and Europe,” the Iranian envoy added.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development,  Pauline Tallen, reassured the diplomatic corps that Nigeria is fully prepared for a successful election.

“ All logistics are in place, Mr President has given INEC the full support to ensure that they conduct a peaceful and successful election. So, don’t have any fears in your mind. The security situation is under control and by the grace of God, everything will go well.” 

Tallen commended Iran for its giant strides, particularly in the field of science and technology and the recent successful hosting of an international conference of influential women of the world.

“I just returned from Iran about two weeks ago and it was a beautiful visit. We met with so many women of influence across the globe. I am happy to state that the vice president of Iran is also a woman,” Tallen also said.