Nigeria, Ethiopia Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Sign Prisoner Transfer Agreement
Nigeria and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors following high-level discussions between officials of both countries.
The meeting took place on Wednesday between Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
During the talks, Minister Gedion highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Nigeria, noting that ties between the two African nations date back to the 1960s.
He stressed the importance of sustained dialogue, coordination, and consultation on issues of mutual interest, describing such engagements as vital to deepening the historic partnership between both countries.
According to him, stronger collaboration would further advance shared goals and reinforce the longstanding friendship that has existed between Ethiopia and Nigeria for decades.
In her remarks, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Ethiopia and expressed readiness to work closely with the East African nation in various sectors of mutual benefit.
She noted that Nigeria values its relationship with Ethiopia and remains committed to expanding areas of collaboration that will promote economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.
As part of the engagement, Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, Hana Arayasellassie, and Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, signed an Agreement on the Exchange or Transfer of Sentenced Persons between the two countries.
The agreement is expected to provide a legal framework for the transfer of convicted persons between Nigeria and Ethiopia, while also strengthening cooperation between the justice institutions of both nations.
Officials from both countries expressed confidence that the discussions and the newly signed agreement would further deepen diplomatic relations and enhance collaboration in the areas of justice, governance, and broader bilateral cooperation.
The development marks another step in efforts by both African nations to consolidate their partnership and promote stronger regional cooperation.
Nigeria, Ethiopia Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Sign Prisoner Transfer Agreement