The federal government of Nigeria has expressed its willingness to further deepen bilateral cooperation with Germany in areas of shared interest for the mutual benefit of citizens of both countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The minister is meeting with Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, July 22, is centred on high-level bilateral consultations aimed at strengthening the longstanding relations between the two countries.

The minister said that Nigeria valued such a strategic partnership and would remain committed to deepening its bilateral cooperation in the areas of shared interest with Germany.

Ms Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “Nigeria looks forward to productive engagements that will further consolidate the existing friendship and open new avenues for collaboration in support of inclusive economic growth, regional stability, and shared prosperity.”

She expressed confidence that her counterpart’s visit would help to strengthen the excellent Nigeria-Germany relations while reaffirming the shared resolve of both countries to tackle common global challenges through dialogue and partnership.

“It reflects an enduring partnership between Nigeria and Germany that spans several decades and is anchored on mutual respect, shared democratic values, economic cooperation, and a common commitment to promoting regional and global peace, security, stability, and sustainable development.

“Germany remains one of Nigeria’s foremost strategic partners in Europe, with cooperation spanning trade and investment, renewable energy, climate action, technical assistance, education, healthcare, migration, agriculture, digital innovation and security,” she said.

She said the bilateral consultations will provide an opportunity for both ministers to undertake a comprehensive review of Nigeria-Germany relations and assess the progress made in implementing existing bilateral agreements and areas of cooperation.

“Also, the discussions are expected to focus on expanding economic and commercial partnerships, attracting greater German investment into Nigeria’s priority sectors, enhancing cooperation in renewable energy, and green,” she said.

She identified others to include promoting vocational education and skills development, as well as strengthening collaboration in science, technology and innovation. 

(NAN)