The Russian Federation has reiterated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria and exploring new frontiers in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Ambassador Andrey Podelyshev, Russia’s envoy to Nigeria, made this known during a reception held on Wednesday in Abuja to commemorate Russia’s national holiday, Russia Day.
Celebrated annually on 12 June, Russia Day is a time to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and look confidently towards the future.
Podelyshev emphasised Russia’s commitment to an international order grounded in respect for sovereignty, cultural uniqueness, and each nation’s right to determine its own development path.
Also Read: Russia Reaffirms Support for Africa’s Sovereignty, Development
Highlighting the long-standing friendship between Russia and Africa, he said, “We do not impose conditions, interfere in internal affairs, or dictate models of development.
“We support honest and mutually beneficial dialogue, and equal partnership.”
He noted Nigeria’s pivotal role on the African continent, both historically and in humanitarian terms.
“Thousands of Nigerians have studied in Russian universities, creating a foundation of trust that supports growing cooperation in science, energy, defence, and agriculture.
“We highly value the openness of our Nigerian partners, the constructive dialogue, and our shared focus on tangible outcomes,” Podelyshev added.
He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We firmly believe that the potential of Russia–Nigeria cooperation is far from exhausted, with new horizons, joint projects, and growth opportunities ahead.”
Russia, the world’s largest country spanning two continents and 11 time zones is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, dramatic landscapes, and iconic landmarks.
