Abuja: Switzerland has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s efforts to tackle insecurity in the North-East, with Vice President Ignazio Cassis pledging deeper cooperation during talks in Abuja with Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Both nations agreed to strengthen ties across trade, migration, skills development, and cultural exchange, while prioritising joint diplomatic efforts to address regional conflicts.
This commitment was emphasised when Switzerland’s Vice President, Ignazio Cassis, made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja during talks with Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Earlier in the day, Shettima welcomed Cassis and his spouse, Paola Rodoni Cassis, at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. There, the two leaders held a closed-door meeting.
Representatives of both countries have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations across key sectors. Specifically, areas of focus include trade, economic cooperation, skills development, migration, security, and cultural exchange.
Further elaborating on the discussions, Cassis, who also serves as Switzerland’s Foreign Minister, said they centred on deepening relations and exploring a trade agreement.
“We are considering improving our bilateral relations and analysing opportunities for a free trade agreement with AfCFTA and Nigeria.
He noted that a major outcome is the joint diplomatic effort to address conflicts in Nigeria’s North-East region, including Switzerland’s specific support.
“Thirdly, we are supporting vocational training, with Swiss companies helping young Nigerians gain skills for sustainable livelihoods,” Cassis said.
He said both nations also agreed to enhance cultural cooperation, including the restitution of cultural material. He added, “We cooperate on migration issues and meet annually to review all aspects of our partnership,” he said.
Cassis thanked Nigeria for its continued participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos.
He also congratulated Nigeria on the inauguration of its Nigeria House in Davos this year.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said the talks were built on longstanding relations dating back to 1961.
“Vice President Cassis expressed interest in a free trade agreement with Nigeria, which we welcome.
He added that Switzerland and Nigeria agreed to encourage further Swiss investments, with new engagement activities planned in Lagos.
Tuggar disclosed that Switzerland agreed to return artefacts belonging to the Benin Kingdom in Edo.
“This forms part of efforts to strengthen cultural ties beyond economic cooperation.
“There was a general assurance to deepen relations, including the return of Benin bronzes from Switzerland,” Tuggar said.