Akpabio Seeks Deeper Cooperation between Nigeria, Korea Republic 

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio yesterday called for a deeper bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Republic of Korea.

Akpabio made the call while receiving in audience in his office at the National Assembly in Abuja the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu and some officials of the Korean embassy.

The Senate President, according to a statement by his media team, described the visit as a “major milestone” stressing that it would further consolidate the bond between the two countries.

Akpabio said: “There are many areas of cooperation, such as the burning issue of climate change which Nigeria is one of those greatly affected today.

“The world today is engulfed in conflicts. Nigeria plays a very pivotal role in the stability of the region.

“With the population explosion in Nigeria that is affecting the entire black race, there is need for us to have closer collaboration with partners like Korea.

“This would enable us so to learn from you in the area of security, agriculture, poverty eradication and of course in the area of climate change. As it relates to the parliament, we will be very glad to have a Nigerian-Korean Parliamentary cooperation.”

Ambassador Kim Pankyu said his visit was to further consolidate the bilateral relations between Nigeria and his country.

He noted that economic exchange had been the pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations. 

He said: “I believe the potential for economic cooperation right now is greater than ever.

“The Korean government is trying to deepen its relationship with African countries as you can see from the Korean-African summit held last June

“At the same time, President Tinubu is implementing various policies to improve business environment in Nigeria and attract foreign investment.

“I believe this factor will lead to more Korean companies venturing into Nigeria and increase in bilateral trade,” the Korean Ambassador said.