The Federal Government and the Government of Germany are pushing for stronger multilateral cooperation to advance peace and security globally, and to uphold respect for international law.
Mrs Annett Gunther, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria and ECOWAS said this at the German Unity Day celebration in Abuja on Friday.
The celebration was with the theme, “Bridging Continents: celebrating UNESCO Heritage and Cultural Bonds between Germany and Nigeria”.
Gunther said that it was as way to underscore cultural heritage as a bridge between continents.
According to her, the aim is to stress the importance of valuing cultural tradition and history for shaping a people’s sense of identity and unity.
She said that both countries had witnessed 65 years of diplomatic relations which has made them to grow stronger partnerships.
The envoy said that this year’s celebration highlighted the growing relations of both countries.
She said that a meeting of German-Nigerian Binational Commission, under the leadership of both countries Foreign Ministers, was scheduled to hold in Berlin in the first week of November.
“We will discuss ways to further expand this partnership, particularly in the areas of energy and climate cooperation, investment and mineral resources, cultural exchange and migration.
“Germany and Nigeria as strong economies and most populous countries in their respective continents, want to join forces and come closer together and adjust their partnership to new opportunities.
“Nigeria is a strong partner in preserving the international rules-based order, based on international law and the UN Charter, and a strategic partner for Germany in Africa,” she said.
She expressed Germany’s commitment to continue its strong cooperation programme with Nigeria.
“We will continue our engagement and deepen the cooperation in the security sector.
“We also endeavour to strengthen our economic and trade relations further, work on climate issues, energy transition, renewable and future sources of energy such as hydrogen,’’ she said.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, commemorated the unification of Germany and its enduring friendship and strategic partnership with Nigeria.
Tuggar was represented by Ambassador Wahab Akande, the Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said that Germany stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and global cooperation which Nigeria is proud to count among its most valued partners.
He said that the bilateral relations of both countries had witnessed remarkable growth, particularly, in the area of trade.
“The trade volume between Nigeria and Germany has surged by an impressive 30 per cent, reaching an all-time high of three billion euros.
“This milestone reflects not only the resilience of our economies, but also the mutual trust and shared vision that bind our nations.
“Over 90 German companies now operate in Nigeria, contributing to job creation and technology transfer, and reinforcing Germany’s position as Nigeria’s second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Tuggar said.
He said that beyond commerce, Nigeria and Germany had deepened cooperation through strategic agreements.
“Earlier this year, they renewed a vital Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation amongst others,’’ he said. (NAN)