Nigeria has moved to deepen its economic and commercial ties with Zimbabwe, with newly accredited Ambassador Philip Kuroghobogha Ikurusi identifying trade, investment, agriculture, education, tourism, culture and technology as key areas for expanded cooperation.
Ikurusi made the commitment after formally presenting his letters of credence to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, marking the beginning of his diplomatic assignment in Zimbabwe.
Speaking to the media, Ikurusi said his priority would be to turn the longstanding relationship between the two countries into practical opportunities that benefit businesses and citizens in both countries.
He said Nigeria and Zimbabwe already enjoyed warm relations built on shared historical experiences, mutual respect and people-to-people connections, but there was scope to take the relationship further.
“It is a great honour and privilege to have formally presented my letters of credence to the President, accrediting me as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ikurusi said.
“I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome extended to me and for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s representative in this important and friendly country.”
Ikurusi said his mandate would be to strengthen existing relations while identifying new areas of cooperation capable of delivering tangible results for both countries.
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“As the Ambassador, my duty is to strengthen these and identify new areas of co-operation that will deliver tangible results for both our people,” he said.
He said he would work closely with the government, diplomatic community, private sector, civil society and the people of Zimbabwe to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“There is significant potential for greater collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, education, tourism, culture, youth development, technology and other sectors of mutual interest,” Ikurusi said.
The ambassador said economic and commercial diplomacy would receive particular attention during his tenure, with a focus on creating opportunities for businesses from both countries.
“I also intend to pay particular attention to strengthening economic and commercial diplomacy, creating opportunities for Nigerian and Zimbabwean businesses to connect, invest and prosper together,” he said.
The push comes as Zimbabwe continues seeking stronger investment and trade partnerships, with Nigeria presenting opportunities for greater commercial links between businesses in the two countries.
Ikurusi said he had brought with him the goodwill of the Nigerian Government and its people as he begins his diplomatic assignment in Zimbabwe.
“I bring with me the warm greetings and goodwill of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
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