Abuja: Vice-President Kashim Shettima has affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with the Republic of Congo. Shettima made the commitment when he received the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, Anatole Makosso, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the vice-president received the Congolese delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. He acknowledged the leadership of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso in promoting regional peace and stability, especially across Africa’s Great Lakes region. He also said that Nigeria would consider Congo’s request for support in its bid to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Shettima commended the leadership of the Congolese President and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. He praised President Denis Sassou-Nguesso as one of the greatest stabilisers on the African continent, highlighting his experience and exposure in providing leadership to a turbulent region. Shettima described Congo as a beacon of hope and stability in the region.
He assured that the issues raised by the visiting Prime Minister, particularly the request for Nigeria’s endorsement of Firmin Edouard Matoko for the post of UNESCO Director-General, would be conveyed to President Tinubu. He expressed hope that President Tinubu would endorse Matoko’s candidacy, emphasizing the unity between the two nations.
Earlier, the Congolese Prime Minister delivered a special message from President Sassou-Nguesso to President Tinubu. He called for deepened relations between both countries and sought Nigeria’s support for Matoko, a long-serving UNESCO official with over three decades of experience.
Makosso explained that Matoko joined UNESCO in 1990 and served in several strategic roles, including Director of multiple regional offices, Director of the Africa Department, and ultimately as Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations. He emphasized that Congo’s interest in Matoko’s candidacy was based on competence, seeking Nigeria’s support not merely on national grounds but for his qualification.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Nigerian government and its people for their humanitarian support to Congolese children who benefited from the Rochas Foundation. He noted that some of the children, many of whom were orphans, have graduated, while others remained in school.
Makosso expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s care for young Congolese children and commended President Tinubu’s leadership at ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations. He also expressed sympathy with Nigerians over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
