Foreign news
FG’s Technical Assistance Scheme Key to Advancing Nigeria’s Foreign Policy – NTAC D-G
The Director-General, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Dr Yusuf Yakub has described Nigeria’s technical assistance scheme as a vital instrument in the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
Yakuo made this known in a statement by Nkem Anyata-Lafia, his Special Assistant on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that the scheme was also a bridge for meaningful partnerships across Africa,the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.
The Director-General, who spoke while on an official visit to Zimbabwe, affirmed the corps’ readiness to support the country’s developmental needs in line with the mandate of NTAC.
Meanwhile, Yakub engaged with top government officials in three key Ministries in Zimbabwe; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
The NTAC boss emphasised the need for Nigeria and Zimbabwe to expand diplomatic ties, enhance technical partnerships and align developmental goals through the framework of the Technical Aid Scheme.
“Through our technical manpower assistance, we have succeeded in deepening South-South Co-operation across the globe.
“We have also enhanced capacities and built skills in critical sectors of nation-building, particularly through technical volunteerism and soft power diplomacy.
“This is a programme that is close to the heart of our dear President.
“The President has insisted that our sister-nations in Africa and other parts of the world must be encouraged to share development initiatives that will leave no nation behind,” he said.
He also emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to support Zimbabwe’s public health systems with medical expertise, health education and community health interventions through NTAC’s skilled Volunteers Corps.
Through the visit, NTAC further cemented its role as a flagship agency for the promotion of Nigeria’s foreign policy goals across the globe through soft power and people-to-people relations.
NAN
Foreign news
Pakistan Moves to Deepen Diplomatic, Economic Relations With Nigeria
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has called for deeper diplomatic and economic ties with the Nigerian government to foster development for both countries.
Mr Rana Ihsaan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during his working vist to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the visiting Coordinator held a closed-door meeting with Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
After the meeting, he said that both both sides had agreed on deepening relations in the areas of trade and commerce, among others.
Ihsaan said that both countries must see the need to accelerate efforts towards a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
He said that Pakistan had already submitted a draft BTA and was awaiting Nigeria’s response.
According to him, discussions centered on easing visa processes, expanding educational exchanges, and strengthening Cooperation in sectors such as Minerals, Youth training, and Defence were highlighted.
Ihsaan said that Pakistan had already implemented visa-on-arrival for Nigerians at no cost, and urged Nigeria to reciprocate to enhance people-to-people ties.
He stressed the importance of high-level engagements between both nations, describing Nigeria and Pakistan as very similar countries with large populations, youthful demographics, and vast economic potentials.
“Deeper collaboration will unlock opportunities in trade, education and investment, while further solidifying long-standing diplomatic relations,” he said.
He said that aside from visiting the foriegn Minister and other top government officials in Nigeria, he was also in the country to attend the on-going West Africa Beauty Exhibition holding in Lagos.
He described the exhibition as one of the continent’s largest cosmetic fairs, adding that he led a delegation of 19 Pakistani business people exploring Nigeria’s estimated 10 million dollar beauty and cosmetics market.
Ihsaan said that Nigeria was a gateway to Africa, adding that Pakistani products, like cosmetics, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Food items and Sports goods were already gaining traction in the country.
He encouraged Pakistani exhibitors to establish offices, Warehouses and logistics partnerships to strengthen their foothold in the Nigerian market.
Ihsaan further addressed concerns from Nigerian businesses on the ease of doing business in Pakistan.
He said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had been supporting Nigerian participants at major exhibitions to achieve the ease of doing business.
“The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) serves as a one-stop platform for Nigerians interested in investing in Pakistan,” he said
Culled from NAN
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