Russia has guaranteed Nigerian citizens in the Russian Federation that it would continue to offer essential support to guarantee their safety and well-being. ayokinews.com reports
This was made known in a statement issued by the Nigerian embassy in Moscow, Russia, on the margins of meeting between the two country’s diplomats on Friday.
Prof. Abdullahi Shehu, Nigeria’s Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Russia and Belarus, met with Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian Federation’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa.
Bogdanov, who also doubles as a Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, gave the assurance during a diplomatic meeting with Prof. Abdullahi Shehu, at his office.
“Bogdanov informed Shehu regarding logistics arrangements put in place by Russia to assist in the evacuation of Nigerian students that were stuck in Kherson, Ukraine.”
“He assured the ambassador that the Russian Government will provide necessary assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens in the Russian Federation.”
“During their conversation, the current situation in Ukraine was discussed, as well as a range of topical matters regarding the future development of the traditionally friendly Russia-Nigeria relations.”
“Also were efforts to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economy, science, technology, culture, humanitarian sphere and other fields.”
According to the embassy, Bogdanov also told Shehu that the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Education would accept Nigerians who wanted to pursue their education there.
Bogdanov recalled Nigeria and Russia’s long time friendly and fruitful relationship, as well as Russia’s military and political assistance to Nigeria during the 36 months the civil war.
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It stated that such help was in the form of later assistance to Nigeria in the construction of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, as well as assistance for the development of nuclear technology for peaceful reasons.
“He further assured the Nigerian Envoy that Russia considers Nigeria as an important country and a strategic partner in Africa and will continue to strengthen our bilateral relationships,” the statement added.
Shehu responded by expressing gratitude to the Russian government for their sympathy and support with Nigerians’ predicament.
Shehu also recalled the strong bilateral, continental, and global relationship between Nigeria and the Russian Federation, particularly Nigeria’s timely support for the Russia-Africa Summit.
He praised the positive impact of such relationships on global concerns including terrorism, climate change, and international peace and security.
However, the Nigerian ambassador requested that the Russian authorities to provide a favorable for the welfare and well-being of Nigerians in Russia, as well as to improve Nigerian-Russian bilateral cooperation in all areas.
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