Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Southeast European nation Serbia has said it considers Nigeria its number one business partner in Africa.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Nigeria, Jugoslav Vukadinović, asserted this yesterday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Vukadinović traced the friendship between both countries to Nigeria’s independence in 1960, stressing the determination of Serbia, successor state of the former Yugoslavia to build on this strong foundation to take the relations to a much higher level.
He recalled that the former Yugoslavia was among Nigeria’s earliest international partners and that both countries shared a rich history through the Non-Aligned Movement, of which Yugoslavia was a co-founder while Nigeria also played a prominent role.
“Serbia has always supported Nigeria and considers Nigeria its number one partner in Africa. Our friendship dates back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960, and we are determined to build on this strong foundation to take our relations to a much higher level,” the Ambassador said.
Vukadinović maintained that Serbia is also seeking to facilitate the return of its companies to Nigeria to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between both countries.
He further affirmed the eagerness of Serbia to deepen economic ties with Nigeria and serve as a strategic gateway for Nigerian businesses seeking access to the markets of Southeastern Europe.
“We are ready to bring our companies back to Nigeria. Serbia is eager to develop stronger economic relations with Nigeria and to serve as a bridge for Nigeria into Southeastern Europe,” he declared.
The envoy highlighted the significant contributions of Serbian companies to Nigeria’s development over the decades, citing landmark projects including the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, the Kano State Ministerial Complex, the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, sports development in Akwa Ibom State, hospitals, electrification projects across more than 60 locations, irrigation systems, dam projects, tobacco and several other infrastructure projects.
In his remarks, the SGF reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Serbia.
Akume described the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Serbia as one built on mutual respect, shared interests, and decades of diplomatic cooperation