Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has stressed the nation’s resolve to bolster its longstanding diplomatic relationship with Iran, which dates back to 1973.
This commitment was articulated during a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday with Mahdavi Raja, the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria.
The discussion provided a platform for both nations to assess their bilateral relations and explore possibilities for increased cooperation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu underscored the need for comprehensive diplomatic representation in both countries, expressing hope for the swift appointment of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Tehran.
“Nigeria is interested in translating political goodwill into tangible outcomes through structured mechanisms, such as the Joint Nigeria-Iran Commission,” she stated.
She also highlighted the commitment to enhance cooperative efforts, emphasizing South-South collaboration and active participation in multilateral forums.
In his response, Ambassador Raja conveyed a warm message from the Iranian Foreign Minister, reaffirming Tehran's dedication to strengthening ties with Nigeria. He highlighted Nigeria's strategic significance in Iran’s Africa strategy, especially within the West African region, and the urgent need to restore full diplomatic relations in both capitals.
Raja also advocated for the early deployment of Nigeria's Ambassador to Tehran, asserting that such an ambassadorial presence is vital for promoting shared interests.
He proposed convening the 7th Session of the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission in Abuja and activating a Political Consultation mechanism to ensure consistent high-level exchanges.
The discussions extended to further cooperation in key areas such as energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, technology, education, and infrastructure, including potential collaborations in healthcare services and scholarship programs for Nigerian students.
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