The Russian Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Nigeria, with a focus on expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Ambassador Andrey Podelyshev, Russia’s envoy to Nigeria, made this known during a reception in Abuja on Wednesday to mark Russia Day, a national holiday celebrated annually on June 12.
In his remarks, Podelyshev emphasized Moscow’s continued respect for international principles rooted in sovereignty, cultural identity, and each nation’s independent development path. He underscored Russia’s approach of non-interference and partnership built on mutual respect.
“We do not impose conditions, interfere in internal affairs, or dictate models of development,” he said. “We support honest and mutually beneficial dialogue, and equal partnership.”
The ambassador praised the longstanding relations between Russia and Africa, with Nigeria playing a central role. He highlighted the educational ties between both countries, noting that thousands of Nigerians have studied in Russian universities over the years. This, he said, has laid the groundwork for increased collaboration across various sectors including science, energy, defense, and agriculture.
“We highly value the openness of our Nigerian partners, constructive dialogue, and shared focus on tangible outcomes,” Podelyshev stated, expressing optimism about the future of the bilateral relationship.
He noted that while significant progress has been made, there is still untapped potential in Russia-Nigeria cooperation. “We firmly believe that the potential is far from exhausted, with new horizons, joint projects, and growth opportunities ahead,” he added.
Russia Day commemorates the country’s path toward modern statehood and offers an opportunity to celebrate national pride and cultural heritage.
