From Olukayode Idowu, Abuja
Nigeria and South Korea have shown interest in broadening their bilateral relationship especially in the areas of political, economic, defence, education
This was expressed during the visit of South Korean 1st Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Choi Jong Kun to Nigeria on Thursday.
The Korean Minister who was received by the Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, was told of the intention of the Nigerian government.
Ambassador Zubairu Dada told his Korean counterpart that Nigeria and the Republic of South Korea shared many things in common.
He noted that the visit is timely and it will enable the two nations explore more areas of friendship that would be beneficial to both countries.
According to Dada, Nigeria cherished and appreciated the visit of the South Korean Vice Minister to Nigeria and Africa which is first of its kind from South Korea.
He said the visit will open up a new chapter in the Nigerian-Korean relationship.
Dada however said to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, the two countries would be meeting again in the 6th Session of the Nigeria-South Korea Joint Commission in Seoul, Republic of Korea in October this year (2021).
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also stressed the need to further deepening of both countries ties of cooperation in various areas.
He stated that Nigeria attaches great importance to the political, economic, defence, education and other spheres of her bilateral relations with the Republic of Korea.
On global security challenges, Ambassador Dada said that countries are still witnessing global terrorism of enormous magnitude and Nigeria had its own share of these challenges, especially in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin as well as piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
He informed that as compounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her security forces including efforts of regional and international partners remain resolutely committed to continue to contain them and address their root causes.
The South Korean 1st Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Choi Jong Kun in his remarks, expressed his satisfaction over the reception received since his arrival in the country.
Mr. Choi Jong Kun said this is his first visit to Nigeria and indeed the entire African continent, he expressed the belief that the visit will pave ways for more collaboration, in readiness for the post COVID 19 era.
