Abuja: The Federal Government and the Government of Germany are promoting stronger multilateral cooperation to promote peace and security globally and 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 a way to underscore cultural heritage as a bridge between continents.
According to her, the aim is to emphasise the importance of valuing cultural traditions and history in shaping a people’s sense of identity and unity.
She said that both countries had witnessed 65 years of diplomatic relations, which had strengthened their partnerships.
The envoy stated that this year’s celebration underscored the growing relations between the two countries.
She stated that a meeting of the German-Nigerian Binational Commission, under the leadership of the Foreign Ministers of both countries, was scheduled to take place in Berlin during 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 two of the strongest economies and most populous countries on their respective continents, aim to join forces and strengthen their partnership to capitalise on 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.
Ambassador Wahab Akande, the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented Tuggar.
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 stated that bilateral relations between the two countries had experienced remarkable growth, particularly in the trade sector.
“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 stated that, beyond commerce, Nigeria and Germany had strengthened their cooperation through strategic agreements.
“Earlier this year, they renewed a vital Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation, amongst others,” he said.
