The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and economic relations with the Republic of Serbia.
Akume gave the assurance while receiving the Serbian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jugoslav Vukadinović, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, on Tuesday.
The visit comes as the FG continues to deepen bilateral relations with strategic partners to boost trade, investment, infrastructure development and economic cooperation in line with its foreign policy objectives.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations Department, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chris Ugwuegbulam, on Tuesday.
The statement noted that the SGF described the relationship between both countries as one founded on decades of mutual respect and cooperation.
“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Serbia.
“The SGF gave the assurance when he received the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Nigeria, His Excellency Jugoslav Vukadinović, on a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Senator Akume described the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Serbia as one built on mutual respect, shared interests, and decades of diplomatic cooperation”, the statement partly read.
Nigeria and Serbia have maintained diplomatic relations since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, when Serbia was part of the former Yugoslavia.
Both countries also shared close ties through the Non-Aligned Movement, where Yugoslavia was a founding member and Nigeria played a leading role.
Over the years, Serbian companies have executed several landmark infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, Vukadinović described the relationship between both countries as historic and enduring. The envoy also recalled the historical ties forged through the Non-Aligned Movement.
“Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Vukadinović described the relationship between Nigeria and Serbia as historic and enduring, noting that Serbia, as the successor state of the former Yugoslavia, has maintained cordial ties with Nigeria since the country’s independence in 1960.
“He recalled that the former Yugoslavia was among Nigeria’s earliest international partners and that both countries shared a rich history through the Non-Aligned Movement, of which Yugoslavia was a co-founder while Nigeria also played a prominent role”, the statement continued.
Highlighting Serbia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, the statement quoted the ambassador as saying, “Serbia has always supported Nigeria and considers Nigeria its number one partner in Africa.
Our friendship dates back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960, and we are determined to build on this strong foundation to take our relations to a much higher level.”
Vukadinović also highlighted the contributions of Serbian companies to Nigeria’s development, citing projects such as the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, the Kano State Ministerial Complex, the National Assembly Complex, sports development projects in Akwa Ibom State, hospitals, electrification projects in more than 60 locations, irrigation systems, dam projects and other infrastructure.
According to the Ambassador, Serbia is prepared to facilitate the return of its companies to Nigeria to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between both countries.
He further stated that Serbia is eager to deepen economic ties with Nigeria and serve as a strategic gateway for Nigerian businesses seeking access to the markets of Southeastern Europe.”
The ambassador added, “We are ready to bring our companies back to Nigeria. Serbia is eager to develop stronger economic relations with Nigeria and to serve as a bridge for Nigeria into Southeastern Europe.”