Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its dedication to deepening financial and strategic relations with Nigeria, with bilateral commerce between each international locations reaching £7.3 billion, because the British authorities seeks to develop cooperation in funding, schooling, safety, innovation and growth.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Pete Vowles, mentioned the partnership was evolving past conventional diplomatic relations to embrace new financial alternatives and shared priorities able to delivering lasting advantages to each international locations.
Vowles spoke on Thursday at a reception hosted by the British High Commission in Abuja to have fun the 78th birthday of King Charles III and the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
The occasion, held beneath the theme, ‘Great Partners for the Future’, introduced collectively Nigerian authorities officers, enterprise leaders, diplomats and civil society representatives.
The High Commissioner mentioned the connection between each international locations was constructed not solely on government-to-government engagements but in addition on the individuals, cultural connections and shared pursuits sustaining their longstanding ties.
“The King’s Birthday is an opportunity not only to celebrate His Majesty, but also the remarkable relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria and the people who make that relationship thrive,” he mentioned.
He added that the partnership was more and more targeted on future alternatives throughout strategic sectors.
“Our partnership with Nigeria is a modern and forward-looking one. Whether through trade, education, innovation, security or culture, we are working together not only on today’s priorities, but on tomorrow’s opportunities,” Vowles mentioned.
The £7.3 billion bilateral commerce determine highlights the size of the financial relationship and the alternatives obtainable to each international locations to develop industrial engagement, entice funding and strengthen private-sector partnerships.
The renewed emphasis on financial cooperation follows the UK State Visit to Nigeria in March, which the High Commission described as a major milestone in bilateral relations and an illustration of the depth of political, financial and people-to-people connections between the 2 international locations.
The UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership supplies a framework for increasing cooperation in commerce and funding, schooling, defence and safety, migration and growth.
Beyond formal diplomatic engagements, the High Commission famous that household, cultural and diaspora connections remained necessary pillars of the connection, bringing communities in each international locations nearer.
The reception additionally featured an artwork exhibition showcasing the Great Britain-Nigeria connections and supplied a possibility for stakeholders throughout authorities, enterprise, tradition and civil society to discover additional areas of collaboration.
The High Commission mentioned each international locations have been decided to construct on present relations to create larger alternatives, prosperity and sustainable advantages for his or her respective populations.
