Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international partnerships and deepening relations with the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, reiterated this commitment during a high-level OACPS meeting chaired by Angola.

According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima emphasized the importance of solidarity and collaboration among member states to address global challenges.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s active role in pursuing the organisation’s objectives while addressing key national concerns.

The OACPS Secretary-General praised Nigeria for its leadership and continued contributions to the organisation’s efforts to promote sustainable development and cooperation among member states.

“Nigeria remains a principal partner of OACPS, championing our shared values of democracy, diaspora engagement, and development,” the Secretary-General said.

“Our presence at the UN General Assembly provides a platform to amplify these priorities on the global stage and explore avenues for deeper collaboration.”

Senator Shettima also addressed Nigeria’s recent inclusion on a high-risk jurisdiction list due to anti-money laundering concerns, stating, “We’re here to set the record straight and engage in constructive dialogue with our international partners.”

“Our Technical Aid Corps programme, which has sent teachers and doctors to the Caribbean, exemplifies Nigeria’s commitment to supporting fellow OACPS nations,” Shettima added.

VP Shettima outlined Nigeria’s strategy to leverage its position as Africa’s most populous nation to advocate for OACPS interests, promote fair treatment in international financial systems, and strengthen ties with both developing and developed nations.

“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,” Shettima emphasized.

Earlier, OACPS Secretary-General Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti lauded Nigeria as “a driving force within the OACPS and an important member state.” Chikoti noted that the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria and expressed gratitude for the country’s significant contributions

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, he highlighted Nigeria’s historical role in South-South cooperation.

The Secretary-General also expressed confidence in the UN’s involvement and its commitment to supporting member states facing various challenges.

He emphasized the importance of enhancing partnerships between OACPS member states and the European Union, focusing on collaborations in areas such as the environment, infrastructure, education, and business development.

Source- WesternPost