By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Abuja – Nigeria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations as both countries prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
The renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador-designate of the DPRK to Nigeria, Jo Yong Sam, to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Congratulating the envoy on his appointment, Ambassador Dunoma pledged the Ministry’s full support for the successful discharge of his diplomatic responsibilities and expressed confidence that the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the DPRK, established in 1976, would continue to deepen.
He acknowledged the DPRK’s consistent backing of Nigeria’s candidatures in international organizations and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peaceful dialogue and diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The Permanent Secretary also proposed the early resumption of cultural exchanges, particularly in film and the creative arts, alongside the convening of the Fifth Session of the Nigeria-DPRK Joint Commission in Pyongyang at a mutually agreed date. He further advocated enhanced reciprocal cooperation, including the allocation of land for the construction of a permanent Nigerian Embassy in Pyongyang and increased employment opportunities for Nigerians at the DPRK Embassy in Abuja.
In his remarks, Ambassador-designate Jo Yong Sam commended Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and its growing influence on the global stage. He also praised the country’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation.
The DPRK envoy reiterated his country’s continued support for Nigeria’s aspirations in international organizations, including its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He identified visa facilitation as a key area requiring attention to promote official exchanges and people-to-people relations, while proposing the institutionalization of congratulatory messages between the leaders of both countries during national celebrations and other significant occasions.
Responding, Ambassador Dunoma assured the envoy that all issues raised, including visa facilitation and the exchange of official messages between the leadership of both countries, would receive appropriate consideration through the relevant government channels.
The meeting underscored the shared determination of Nigeria and the DPRK to broaden cooperation and deepen engagement in areas of mutual interest as they celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations.
