…. pledges navy cooperation
By Favour Ulebor, Abuja
The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, has dismissed stories that Nigerians are being conscripted to combat in Ukraine, insisting that there isn’t any authorities‑supported programme to recruit Nigerians for the battle.
The clarification was made on Tuesday, throughout a press briefing in Abuja the place the ambassador additionally outlined ongoing and deliberate navy and financial cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.
Replying to questions from journalists, Ambassador Podyelyshev stated: “If some unlawful individuals are making an attempt to recruit Nigerians to combat in Ukraine, this isn’t linked with the Russian state. If anyone has info, we’re able to ship it to Russian legislation enforcement authorities for investigation.”
He highlighted present agreements on navy‑technical cooperation, together with discussions on the coaching of Nigerian navy personnel and potential provide of Russian gear, including that “some initiatives have already began, some are into consideration. We’re able to develop cooperation as a lot because the Nigerian aspect needs.”
The ambassador confused that Nigeria stays a key companion for Russia in Africa, saying: “Cooperation with Nigeria largely shapes our prospects in West Africa. Nigeria is a possible anchor of regional stability and improvement.”
On broader international points, Ambassador Podyelyshev reiterated Russia’s imaginative and prescient of a multipolar world order, respect for sovereignty and civilisational range, and opposition to unilateral domination.
He stated Russia additionally helps African options to African issues and rejects exterior coercion in different states’ inner affairs.
The briefing additionally touched on financial and academic ties between the 2 international locations, together with plans for a Centre for Nuclear Science and Expertise in Nigeria and expanded scholarship alternatives for Nigerian college students in Russian universities.
Ambassador Podyelyshev famous that Russia and Nigeria are dedicated to lengthy‑time period strategic cooperation, encompassing safety, commerce, and shared diplomatic targets on the worldwide stage.
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