Germany says it considers Nigeria as a strong partner in preserving international order.

The German ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, said this on Thursday in Abuja at a ceremony organised to celebrate her country’s National Day called the Day of German Unity.

The event marked the country’s 33rd celebration since its reunification in 1990.

The day is always celebrated on October 3, but it was moved to November 16 this year.

According to her, Nigeria and Germany have the two biggest economies with the highest populations in their respective continents.

Ms Günther said both countries’ bilateral relations dated back 60 years “and has grown ever since.”

She added that the visit of the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Nigeria was a clear testimony of the European country’s desire to lift the partnership level to higher heights in the face of the myriad of global challenges.

Ms Günther stated, “We want to join forces and come closer together and adjust the partnership to take advantage of new opportunities. Nigeria is a strong partner in preserving the international order based on international law and the United Nations Charter and a strategic partner for Germany in Africa.

“We are glad to see that Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is playing a leading role within ECOWAS. We agree again: without peace and stability, there is no prosperity not in the region or anywhere else. Germany will, therefore, continue its strong cooperation with Nigeria.”

Ms Günther added, “Currently worth €860 million, we will continue our engagement in police reform and in deepening cooperation in the security sector. We will also endeavour to strengthen our economic and trade relations further and work on climate issues, energy transition, renewables, and future sources of energy such as hydrogen.”

The German ambassador noted that as part of a strong Team Europe in Nigeria, Germany’s cooperation would continue to lend support and amplify its effects. 

(NAN)