Russia hopes to strengthen strong trade partnership with Nigeria

Russia says Nigeria is one of its strongest trade partners and hopes to strengthen such relationship in the coming years.

Nikolay Udovichenko, Russian ambassador to Nigeria, made this known on Monday during the Russian Federation National Day celebration at the Russian embassy in Abuja.

He said the country hopes to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation with Nigeria.

He also said Russia would continue its educational programme to Nigerian students on scholarship basis.

“Nigeria is one of our greatest trading partners and we have had a strong relationship in the last years but hope to strengthen it and do a lot more together in the future,” he said.

“We would continue to support Nigeria in achieving economic and social development by helping Nigeria utilise its resources in more effective ways.

“We are glad that we can celebrate our national day in a country that has been very supportive.

“The Russian government has offered many Nigerians scholarships to study in Russia and we extend our gratitude to those who have studied in Russia for always being supportive and cooperative.

“I also want to thank my fellow Russians for their hard work and support in the diplomatic mission here in Nigeria.’’

NAN reports that Salaheddine Ibrahima, dean of diplomatic corp and high commissioner to Nigeria, said it was nice for the two countries to support each another.

“It is nice to see that we are supportive of each other and that we see the need to celebrate our countries as a way to improve our relationships,” he added.

“We are happy for Russia and wish them much more growth and success in the years ahead.”

Russia and Nigeria had taken steps to deepen their economic and political ties when on May 30, Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, held diplomatic talks with Sergei Lavrov, his Russian counterpart, during an official working visit to Moscow.

The foreign ministers had discussed issues pertaining to the steady development of bilateral ties in political, trade, economic and humanitarian areas.