By Ochiaka Ugwu
Nigeria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have agreed to deepen relations with the aim of promoting cultural exchange, cooperation between the two nations.
Receiving the Ambassador-designate of the DPRK to Nigeria, His Excellency, Jo Yong Sam, on a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Foreign Ministry, Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its longstanding bilateral relations with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Congratulating Amb. Jo on his appointment, Amb. Dunoma assured him of the Ministry’s full support towards the successful discharge of his diplomatic responsibilities and expressed confidence that the cordial relations between both countries, established in 1976, would continue to grow from strength to strength.
He also acknowledged the DPKR’s consistent support for Nigeria’s candidatures in international organisations and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peaceful dialogue and diplomatic efforts towards lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Dunoma proposed the early resumption of cultural exchanges, including cooperation in film and the creative arts, as well as the convening of the Fifth Session of the Nigeria-DPRK Joint Commission in Pyongyang at a mutually agreed date.
He further called for enhanced reciprocal cooperation, including the allocation of land for the construction of a permanent Nigerian Embassy in Pyongyang and greater employment opportunities for Nigerian nationals at the DPRK Embassy in Abuja.
Also speaking during the visit, Amb. Jo hailed Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and its growing influence in international affairs.
He praised Nigeria’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations as both countries commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Jo further reaffirmed the DPRK’s continued support for Nigeria’s aspirations in international organisations, including its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Jo identified visa facilitation as an important area requiring attention to promote greater official exchanges and people-to-people contacts, while proposing the institutionalisation of congratulatory messages between the leaders of both countries on national celebrations and other important occasions as a demonstration of the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the DPRK.
Dunoma assured Jo that all issues raised during the meeting, including visa facilitation and the exchange of official messages between the leadership of both countries, would receive appropriate consideration through the relevant government channels.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Nigeria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding engagement in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of both countries.
