Nigeria Congratulates Congo On 66th National Day, Seeks Stronger Bilateral Ties

The Federal Government has congratulated the Government and people of the Republic of Congo on the country’s 66th National Day anniversary, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations between both countries.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Federal Government said the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise Congo’s progress and contributions to regional peace and African development.

The ministry said Nigeria joined the Congolese people in commemorating the national occasion, which marks the country’s independence on August 15, 1960.

“On this occasion, Nigeria recognises the resilience and progress made by the Congolese people in advancing national development, peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement said.

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According to the ministry, Nigeria and Congo have maintained cordial relations based on mutual respect, African solidarity, shared values and common interests.

“Both countries remain committed to multilateralism and the advancement of African unity and integration,” the statement added.

Nigeria also acknowledged Congo’s contribution to regional peace, stability and African diplomacy, stressing its readiness to work with the country and other African partners to promote dialogue, mediation and African-led approaches to conflict resolution.

The Federal Government further identified trade, investment, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, mining and manufacturing as areas with significant potential for stronger economic cooperation between both countries.

It said greater interaction between the private sectors of Nigeria and Congo would promote investment, technology transfer, employment creation and the movement of goods, services and expertise.

The statement also highlighted the importance of strengthening people-to-people relations through cooperation in education, culture, tourism, sports, youth development and professional exchanges.

“Nigeria welcomes greater collaboration in sustainable development, value addition, technology transfer, employment creation and regional economic integration, and remains committed to strengthening its partnership with Congo within the framework of the African Union and other regional and international organisations,” the ministry said.

The Federal Government further recognised the resilience and contributions of successive generations of Congolese to national development and expressed its desire to expand bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Congo.

“The Government of Nigeria looks forward to working closely with the Government of the Republic of Congo to expand bilateral cooperation and address issues of mutual interest at the continental and global levels,” the statement said.

Nigeria subsequently extended its “warmest congratulations” to the Government and people of Congo on the 66th National Day anniversary and wished the country continued peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development.