International
Nordic Countries Agree to Reform of UN
Nordic Countries Agree to Reform of UN
Call for Increase in Members of Security Council
By: Michael Mike
Nordic countries have agreed to support Nigeria’s demand for the reform of the United Nations.
The Nordic countries: Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden gave the promise on Tuesday in Abuja during the visit of their foreign affairs ministers to Nigeria.
The countries said it was important to address Africa’s under-representation in the UN Security Council.
The foreign affairs ministers from the five countries are in Nigeria on a joint visit, the first of its kind outside of Europe.
The visiting Nordic delegation consists of Mr Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ms Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Ms Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ms Bjørg Sandkjær, State Secretary for International Development, Norway and Ms Eva Marie Frida Barløse, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark
Speaking during a visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, Mr Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden described Nigeria as a prominent actor both in Africa and globally.
Billström, while commending Nigeria’s efforts towards promoting peace and forging international cooperation, said: “Our engagement in Africa has been guided by solidarity and long-term equal opportunities. The diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Nordic countries date back more than 60 years, half a century. And Nigeria is also one of our largest trading partners on the African continent.
“And the recurring business forum Nordic-Nigeria Connect, hosted in Lagos last year is an important venue for further boosting trade and investments between our countries. The role and importance of African countries in international politics is greater than ever.
“Nigeria is a prominent actor on the regional and global stage, and plays an important role in maintaining peace and furthering international cooperation.
“We highly appreciate the Nigerian President’s efforts to promote stability and democracy within ECOWAS, and supporting ongoing efforts to further enhance cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations.
“The adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719 is a welcome step in this direction. At the same time, it is important to recognize and address Africa’s under-representation in the Security Council.
“And to this end, the Nordic supports the extension and expansion of the Council in both the permanent and two-year term elected categories. Just like Nigeria, the five Nordic countries are firmly committed to standing up for the international rules-based order, democracy, and human rights.
“These values are now under attack, notably through Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine which threatens not only peace and security, but the very principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“And we acknowledge and welcome Nigeria’s clear stance in the UN General Assembly on this matter, in defence of international law and the UN Charter, as well as leading the way for many other countries.
“Excellency, this visit is of particular importance to us. Nigeria and the Nordics are key partners in an array of areas, not only global and regional security, but also trade and investment, promoting human rights and democracy, as well as combating climate change.”
Corroborating the Swedish Minister words, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ms Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, said the visit is for dialogue and deep discussions; stressing that: “We share fundamental values, and we believe in the rule-based order and as well that the African continent needs to be represented stronger and better in the multilateral system, which is a system that we believe in and we truly need to continue.”
On her part, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark, Ms Eva Marie Frida Barløse, said “This visit of the Nordic group is a reflection of the increased importance that we attach to engaging more with Nigeria, and I look very much forward to the conversation and the increased dialogue with you.”
Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen,, said the visit was meant “to further strengthen our partnership and deepen our friendship.”
The State Secretary for International Development, Norway, Ms Bjørg Sandkjær, said: “We’ll be able to talk a bit more, I think, about the strong focus that the Nordic countries have on democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
“And we also welcome the very close collaboration between our countries on these issues, including in multilateral forums, as has been – has been mentioned.”
In his response, Tuggar said that Nigeria and the Nordic countries share the same democratic ideals.
The Minister while welcoming the support of the Nordic countries for the reform of the United Nations organs, said: “We also aspire to the same democratic ideals, and I’m happy that you mentioned your support to see a reform of the United Nations Security Council, permanent members, and, of course, our aspiration to become not only a permanent member, but then also, you know, maybe closer.
“We’re looking at membership in the United Nations Security Council. And, of course, this aspiration for democratising the global governing institutions of the planet goes beyond the United Nations.
“That’s why we’re also aspiring to become a member of the G7 important bodies.”
He also commended the Nordic countries for their efforts towards ensuring peace and security in the Lake Chad region.”
He added that: “And, of course, the good work that all the countries have been doing in the Lake Chad region is something that is not unnoticed by Nigeria, and it’s something that we really appreciate and that we treasure.
“We’re looking to engage, to learn so much from all the countries, because the Nordic region is one that excels in terms of the circular economy. This is something that we feel we can do a lot together.
Nordic Countries Agree to Reform of UN
International
Chinese Embassy Will Work to Ensure 13 Newly Signed Agreements with Nigeria See the Light of Day-Envoy
Chinese Embassy Will Work to Ensure 13 Newly Signed Agreements with Nigeria See the Light of Day-Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has said he has commenced work to ensure the implementation of the 13 agreements recently signed by Nigerian and Chinese governments during the visit of President Bola Tinubu to China, insisting that making sure that all the agreements see the light of the day.
Dunhai who addressed journalists at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on the importance of Nigeria’s President state visit to China and the cooperation agreements signed between the two countries, noted
that Tinubu’s visit opened a new vista in China and Nigeria bilateral relations.
He explained also that with the upgrade of bilateral relations, there would be an increase in activities between both countries, with the impending movement of Chinese investors into Nigeria.
He said: “During President Tinubu’s visit, the relevant government departments of the two sided signed a total of 13 cooperation documents, covering such areas as high-quality Belt and Road cooperation planning, the implementation of the global development initiative, economic growth, human resources, application of Beidou Satellite Navigation System, export of peanuts to China, and the media exchanges.
“Among them, one of the bilateral cooperation documents covers around 19 projects that China and Nigeria are cooperating and intend to cooperate with. In addition, multiple cooperation arrangements were signed between relevant departments, state governments, and Chinese companies during the visit.”
The envoy responding on what would be done to ensure that the 13 MOUs signed by China and Nigeria are implemented, said: “That is exactly my mission and task. That is my priorities. From the Chinese side, the two sides we signed 13 cooperative documents.Actually, I believe it’s much more than that, because there are other cooperative documents signed, not between the department to department, but between department to company.
“So I think the two sides, we are going to follow through with all those side documents. I’m sure that I’m going to be very busy, and the people here in Abuja are going to be very busy, and maybe in Lagos, and in many other states, because there are going to be a lot of incoming visiting delegations from China.And I’m sure that there are going to be a lot of outbound delegations from Nigeria to China. I think the only purpose is to try to materialize, to translate the consensus reached by our two presidents, the documents that we signed, into reality. So I have a lot of work to do, and I think that’s also the responsibility of our two sides.
“So as ambassador, I’m certainly looking forward to working with all sectors, and to materialize all those cooperative documents.
“So as the new Chinese ambassador, I look forward to working with people from all walks of life to bring China-Nigeria relations to a new height.”
He also stressed that President Tinubu’s visit to China is of great significance to build on the past successes and to further advance China-Nigeria relations and China-Africa relations.
The envoy added that: “China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Nigeria in multilateral affairs, and jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries.
“Going forward, we will work closely with all sectors of Nigeria to implement the important consensus reached by our two countries and ensure that we translate the consensus between our two leaders into concrete actions in order to move forward for upgrading bilateral cooperation.”
On what should be expected from the upgrade of China-Nigeria relations, Dunhai said it means that China and Nigeria are going to be more closely knitted together, to ensure our relations are stronger and we are going to cooperate more in all areas.
He added that: “So that’s why I believe that this visit is unique, is historical, and also I personally feel that this is a great success.
I’m sure that with this visit, it’s going to provide us with a huge potential to increase our trade values”.
Chinese Embassy Will Work to Ensure 13 Newly Signed Agreements with Nigeria See the Light of Day-Envoy
Pakistani Armed Forces Remain largest contributors to UN peace keeping –Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Sohail Khan has said the Pakistani Armed Forces remain the largest contributors to the United Nations’ peacekeeping operations across the globe, a position that has been maintained since 1960.
Khan, who is a retired Major General in the Pakistani military, made this known at the Pakistani High Commission in Abuja on Friday during Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs Day celebration, which is held annually on September 6 since 1965.
He noted that the commemoration day was to pay homage to the armed forces of Pakistan who protected the motherland from internal and external aggression with bravery.
He disclosed that 23,900 officers and five Generals had sacrificed their lives in the Global War against Terrorism, with Pakistan losing over US$152 billion in the process.
The High Commissioner said Pakistan has kept responsible nuclear state status and the armed forces’ management of the command and control system has been distinguished.
He emphasised that one major significance of the occasion is honouring martyrs and members of the armed forces for their dedication and sacrifices.
On his part, the Defence Advisor at the High Commission, Col. Mushtag Kamran stated that September 6 signified the unflinching resolve, unity, and sense of sacrifice to defend the motherland at all costs.
He praised the sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives to protect freedom and sovereignty, urging others to strive for a better tomorrow.
The event was attended by senior Nigerian Armed Forces officers, ambassadors, attachés, and diplomatic corps, and featured traditional Pakistani cuisine, with a pledge from Pakistani officers to continue to defend the motherland following the footsteps of martyr.
Pakistani Armed Forces Remain largest contributors to UN peace keeping –Envoy
US Provides $6.5 million for Flood Related Humanitarian Needs in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing more than $6.5 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to address flood-related humanitarian needs across Nigeria.
According to a statement on Thursday by
the Development Outreach and Communications Team of USAID, the funding is part of USAID’s Fiscal Year 2024 support and will enable local partners to respond to flooding and other disasters.
The statement revealed that IOM is allocating $3 million to address flood-related humanitarian needs across the country.
Flooding has affected over 619,000 people in 29 Nigerian states since mid-August, according to Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency. The floods have claimed 210 lives, displaced nearly 228,700 people, and damaged more than 84,800 homes.
According to the statement, this response is part of a larger humanitarian assistance effort. In Fiscal Year 2024, USAID has provided nearly $100 million in previously announced funding to Nigeria to respond to the urgent needs of those impacted by disasters, including floods.
USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones said:
“The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Nigeria as they face the challenges posed by climate change and increasingly frequent natural disasters. Our enduring partnership is rooted in a long history of delivering humanitarian aid across the nation.”
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