From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Republic of South Korea has promised to assist Nigeria in boosting food production and tackling insecurity.
Its ambassador, Kim Pankyu, who addressed journalists in Abuja, ahead of the forthcoming Korea-Africa Summit in June in Seoul, said he would deploy his military expertise to help Nigeria.
Pankyu also promised to deepen economic ties between Korea and Nigeria, adding that the promotion of economic partnership had been the focus since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“First and foremost, I would like to do my best to further expand economic exchanges between Korea and Nigeria. Promoting economic partnership has always been the focus since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between our two countries 44 years ago. Nigeria is already Korea’s top five trade partners in Africa.
“I believe we can do more. Since the current Nigerian government is actively carrying out economic reforms to improve the business environment in Nigeria, I will introduce this change to Korean companies and encourage them to venture into Nigeria and make investments.
“Secondly, I will explore ways to deepen security cooperation, drawing on my expertise in military and security affairs.
“In particular, I would like to focus on promoting cooperation on maritime security because securing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is essential not only for coastal countries, including Nigeria, but also for countries passing through this region, including Korea. In addition, I intend to expand Korea’s support for capacity building of the Nigerian military and security officers.”
On the summit, he said: “I believe the first Korea-Africa Summit to be held in June in Seoul will be a momentous occasion for the relations between Korea and Africa, and also Korea and Nigeria.
“The inaugural Korea-Africa Summit is expected to be the largest international gathering under the current administration. This reflects President Yoon Suk-yeol’s commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial, sustainable, and strategic long-term partnership with Africa, aligning with Korea’s vision of becoming a global pivotal state. This marks a significant step in Korea’s comprehensive strategy to engage more deeply with the global south, reflecting our commitment to global inclusiveness and cooperation.”
The relationship between Niger Republic and France became strained following the military coup in the Sahel country.
France flayed the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and demanded that constitutional order be restored.
After seizing power, the junta made France’s military exit one of its key priorities, a move which neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, both also former French colonies, made after successful coups.
France, a key security ally of the West African nation, had more than 1,500 troops stationed in Niger to help fight jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State and to prevent further spread of terrorism across the Sahel.