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, who made the commitment at a high-level OACPS meeting chaired by Angola on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, stressed the importance of solidarity among member states in the face of numerous global challenges.
He emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to the organisation’s goals, while addressing pressing national concerns.
“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,” he said.
The Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for OACPS initiatives, including the organisation’s focus on Haiti’s ongoing crisis. While acknowledging Kenya’s contribution of 400 troops to Haiti, the Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s historical role in South-South cooperation.
“Our technical aid corps programme, which has sent teachers and doctors to the Caribbean, exemplifies Nigeria’s commitment to uplifting fellow OACPS nations,” he said.
“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 said.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of OACPS, Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, lauded Nigeria as “a motor of the OACPS and an important member state.”
Chikoti said the meeting was aimed at strengthening cooperation with Nigeria, and expressed gratitude for the country’s significant contributions.
He expressed confidence in the UN’s involvement and commitment to supporting member states facing various challenges.
He also reiterated the importance of strengthening partnerships between OACPS member states and the European Union, focusing on crucial collaborations in areas such as environment, infrastructure, education, and business development.
