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.
This was the outcome of 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.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Ambassador Dunoma congratulated the envoy on his appointment and assured him of the Ministry’s full support in the discharge of his diplomatic responsibilities.
The Permanent Secretary expressed confidence that the cordial relations between Nigeria and the DPRK, established in 1976, would continue to flourish. He appreciated Pyongyang’s consistent support for Nigeria’s candidatures in international organisations and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
He also proposed the early resumption of cultural exchanges, particularly in film and the creative arts, and called for the convening of the Fifth Session of the Nigeria-DPRK Joint Commission in Pyongyang at a mutually agreed date.
Ambassador Dunoma 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 in global affairs. He also praised the economic reforms being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The DPRK envoy reaffirmed his country’s continued support for Nigeria’s aspirations in international organisations, 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 encourage greater official exchanges and people-to-people contacts. The ambassador also proposed the institutionalisation of congratulatory messages between the leaders of both countries during national celebrations and other significant occasions as a demonstration of their enduring friendship.
Responding, Ambassador Dunoma assured the envoy that all issues raised during the meeting, including visa facilitation and the exchange of official messages between the leadership of both countries, would receive appropriate consideration through relevant government channels.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding cooperation and deepening engagement in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of Nigeria and the DPRK.
