Foreign
MRS Annett Gunther , German Ambassador in Nigeria, says the country will continue to deepen its bilateral cooperation with Nigeria in the areas of security, economic trade relations, among others
Gunther said this on Friday night in Abuja during the commemoration of German National Day, “The Day of German Unity”,
She described the national day as a sign of the victory of democracy over tyranny and dictatorship.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Germany became independent following the fall of Berlin wall on Nov. 9, 1989.
Hundreds of thousands of East – Germans demonstrated peacefully all over the country and faced down their oppressive government which brought about this reunification with West – Germany in 1990.
Gunther said that the day symbolised the strength of democracy and has a special meaning to all Germans.
“Every year, I celebrate with Germans in Germany and around the globe, and with international friends that the East – German dictatorship ended with our reunification in 1990,” she said.
She said that Nigeria and German friendship dated back over 60 years, and had grown over the years, while 2024 marked 50 years of official development cooperation of both countries.
She said that jobs done over the years in Nigeria by implementing partners like the GIZ and KFW development bank had shown signs of cooperation between both countries.
According to her, GIZ has become a household for our joint ventures to support Nigeria development in all spheres like skill development, sustainable agricultural production, energy production and health sector.
The ambassador also said that the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz’s visit to Nigeria in 2023 and President Bola Tinubu’s subsequent visit to Germany were indications of both countries close relations.
She said that the visits also emphasised Germany’s desire to lift the partnerships to the next level in spite of global challenges.
“These two biggest economies and most populous countries on their respective continents want to join forces, come closer together and adjust their partnerships to new opportunities.
“Nigeria is also a strong partner in preserving international rules and order, based on international laws and the United Nations charter, and a strategic partner for Germany in Africa.
“Germany will, therefore, continue its strong cooperation programme with Nigeria. We will continue our engagement in police reforms and deepen cooperation in the security sector,” she said.
She said that the German authorities would also endeavor to strengthen economic and trade relations further, work on climate issues, energy transition, renewables and future sources of energy such as hydrogen.
“As part of the strong Team Europe in Nigeria, we will continue to lend our support and amplify its effects through the tremendous engagements of the European family in Nigeria,” she said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said that both countries have enjoyed over 60 years of warm diplomat relations
Tuggar who was represented by Ben Okoyen, Head of Protocol for the ministry, said that Nigeria valued the friendship and considered Germany as an important and strategic partner.
Tuggar called for strengthening of ties in the areas of economic and political development.
According to him, Germany’s investment in Nigeria’s energy and infrastructure sectors have underscored the values of sustainability and progress that both nations treasure.
He said that Germany’s continued support for Nigerian industries had accelerated mutual development and economic diversification efforts.
“Through these collaborations, we will create sustainable and long term solutions that Will benefit our people for generations to come.
” To our German friends, we honour your journey, achievements and friendship. May the spirit of unity continue to inspire us all, and may the bonds between both countries grow even stronger,” he said (NAN)
9th November, 2024.
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