September 24, (THEWILL) – Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger international partnerships and deepening relations with member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the commitment when he spoke at a high-level OACPS meeting chaired by Angola on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Vice President, who emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to OACPS goals, while addressing the pressing challenges member states face, said, “Nigeria remains a principal partner of OACPS, championing our shared values of democracy, diaspora engagement, and development. Our presence here at the UN General Assembly allows us to amplify these priorities on the global stage and explore avenues for deeper collaboration.”
Addressing Nigeria’s recent inclusion on a high-risk jurisdiction list for anti-money laundering concerns, Shettima noted, “We’re here to set the record straight and engage in constructive dialogue with our international partners.”
The Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s support for OACPS initiatives, including its focus on Haiti’s ongoing crisis, and praised Kenya’s contribution of 400 troops to Haiti.
A statement issued on Tuesday, by Stanley Nkwocha, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, said the Vice President also cited Nigeria’s historical role in South-South cooperation, adding, “Our technical aid corps programme, which has sent teachers and doctors to the Caribbean, exemplifies Nigeria’s commitment to uplifting fellow OACPS nations.”
Shettima outlined Nigeria’s strategy to leverage its position as Africa’s most populous nation to advocate for OACPS interests, promote equitable treatment in international financial systems, and strengthen ties with both developing and developed nations.
“We’re representing Nigeria’s interests while also championing the collective voice of the OACPS. President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria aligns closely with the OACPS agenda. In today’s interconnected world, our success is intertwined with that of our partner nations,” he emphasised.
OACPS Secretary-General, Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, lauded Nigeria as “a motor of the OACPS and an important member state.”
Chikoti acknowledged the meeting’s goal of bolstering cooperation with Nigeria and expressed appreciation for the country’s significant contributions.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships between OACPS member states and the European Union, particularly in key areas like the environment, infrastructure, education, and business development.
