Nigeria, Belarus to boost trade, diplomatic ties

Minsk, Belarus - 15 February 2023:

Following a meeting between Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, the two countries have agreed to strengthen their trade and diplomatic relations.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed a range of issues, including economic cooperation, investment, and security. The two presidents agreed to establish a joint commission on cooperation, which will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of agreements reached during the meeting.

Boosting trade

One of the key areas of focus for the two countries is boosting trade. Nigeria is Belarus's largest trading partner in Africa, and the two countries have agreed to increase their trade volume to $1 billion by 2025.

The two countries have also agreed to cooperate in the areas of agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. Belarus is a major exporter of agricultural machinery and fertilizers, and Nigeria is a major importer of these products.

Strengthening diplomatic ties

In addition to boosting trade, the two countries have also agreed to strengthen their diplomatic ties. Nigeria and Belarus have established diplomatic relations in 1992, and the two countries have maintained close ties ever since.

The two presidents agreed to increase the frequency of high-level visits between the two countries, and to establish a regular dialogue between their foreign ministries. They also agreed to cooperate on international issues, such as the fight against terrorism and the promotion of peace and security.

Conclusion

The meeting between President Buhari and President Lukashenko was a major step forward in the relations between the two countries. The two leaders agreed to strengthen their trade and diplomatic ties, and to cooperate on a range of issues of mutual interest.

The agreements reached during the meeting will help to boost economic growth in both countries and strengthen their diplomatic ties.