Amb. Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja and Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
By Vera Anyagafu
The Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, met with Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, discussing ways to boost bilateral relations between Nigeria and Iran.
The meeting, aimed at reviewing current ties and exploring areas for cooperation, focused on expanding cooperation in energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, science, technology, education, and infrastructure.
According to Ambassador Mahdavi, who reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, Nigeria is strategically important in Iran’s African policy, emphasising the need to expanding cooperation in key areas of both countries economies.
“There is a need for full diplomatic representation in both capitals,” he said, while proposing convening the 7th Session of the Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission in Abuja, in addition to collaborations in healthcare and scholarship programs for Nigerian students.
Speaking also, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with Iran which was established in 1973. She welcomed proposals for economic cooperation, with both sides agreeing to constructive engagement, South-South cooperation, and multilateral collaboration.
The meeting reflected both countries’ desire to consolidate Nigeria-Iran diplomatic relations.
