The Russian Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria, with plans to explore new areas of cooperation between both nations.
Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, made this declaration during a reception held on Wednesday in Abuja to commemorate Russia's national holiday, "Russia Day," which is celebrated annually on June 12.
Mutual Respect and Equal Partnership
Ambassador Podelyshev emphasized Russia's dedication to maintaining an international order based on respect for sovereignty, cultural uniqueness, and each nation's right to determine its own development path.
"We do not impose conditions, interfere in internal affairs, or dictate models of development," the ambassador stated. "We support honest and mutually beneficial dialogue, and equal partnership."
Highlighting the historical friendship between Russia and Africa, Podelyshev acknowledged Nigeria's significant role on the continent both historically and in humanitarian terms.
Growing Areas of Cooperation
The ambassador noted that thousands of Nigerians have received education in Russian universities, creating a foundation of trust that supports expanding cooperation in various sectors.
"We highly value the openness of our Nigerian partners, constructive dialogue, and shared focus on tangible outcomes," Podelyshev remarked, adding that cooperation continues to grow in science, energy, defense, and agriculture.
Looking toward the future, the ambassador expressed optimism about the potential for further collaboration. "We firmly believe that the potential of Russia-Nigeria cooperation is far from exhausted, with new horizons, joint projects, and growth opportunities ahead," he said.
Russia, spanning two continents and 11 time zones, is the world's largest country and is known for its rich cultural diversity, dramatic landscapes, and iconic landmarks.
The Russia Day celebration comes at a time when both nations have been strengthening their sporting ties as well, with the recent friendly match between the Russian and Nigerian national football teams drawing significant attention.
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