Nigeria has congratulated the Government and people of Pakistan on the country’s 79th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors.
In a statement issued, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, extended Nigeria’s congratulations to Pakistan as the country marked 79 years of independence.
“Nigeria joins the people of Pakistan in celebrating the country’s rich history, national identity, resilience and progress since independence in 1947,” the minister said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described Pakistan as an important partner in Asia and commended its contributions to regional and international peace, security and development.
“Nigeria recognises Pakistan as an important partner in Asia and values its constructive contributions to regional and international peace, security and development,” she stated.
The minister said relations between both countries remain strong and are built on mutual respect, shared interests and a commitment to international cooperation.
According to her, Nigeria and Pakistan share common perspectives on major global challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, food and energy insecurity, economic inequality and youth development.
“The two countries share broad perspectives and common interests on a range of global challenges, including terrorism and violent extremism, climate change, food and energy insecurity and economic inequality,” she said.
Nigeria also expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in areas such as peace and security, sustainable development and economic growth.
The minister identified agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, information and communications technology, education and healthcare as sectors with significant potential for expanded partnership.
“Nigeria welcomes the prospect of deepening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest, particularly peace and security, sustainable development and economic growth,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She further called for stronger engagement between the private sectors of both countries through increased interaction among businesses, investors, chambers of commerce and professional organisations.
“People-to-people relations remain an important pillar of Nigeria-Pakistan friendship,” she added, noting that education, culture, sports, tourism and professional exchanges offer opportunities for closer ties.
The minister said both countries, as members of the Global South, share interests in sustainable development, climate action, technology transfer, food security and reform of international financial institutions.
“Both countries also remain committed to strengthening international efforts to address terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime,” she said.
As Pakistan celebrates its independence anniversary, Nigeria expressed confidence that stronger commercial partnerships and increased people-to-people exchanges would further deepen the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
“Nigeria looks forward to further strengthening its cordial relations with Pakistan and exploring new areas of cooperation,” the minister stated.
She wished Pakistan continued peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development.