PRESS RELEASE H.E. (PROF.) ABDULLAHI Y. SHEHU, NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION WITH CONCURRENT ACCREDITATION TO THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS, PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE TO PRESIDENT ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO OF BELARUS
H.E. (Prof.) Abdullahi Yibaikwal Shehu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with Concurrent Accreditation to the Republic of Belarus presented his Letters of Credence to H.E Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus at the Independence Palace in Minsk, 3rd February, 2022. Prof. Shehu was among the eight new envoys who presented their Letters of Credence during the ceremony. Envoys of other countries who also presented their credentials are from Russia, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Laos, Morocco, the Republic of Chad and Sri Lanka.2. In his address to the envoys, President Lukashenko spoke passionately about Minsk’s preparedness for mutually beneficial cooperation for developing a trusting relationship in various fields. He reiterated the determination of the Belarusian people towards development without any pressure from outside. Thereafter, the President spoke briefly about each of the countries whose Envoys presented Letter of Credence during the occasion.3. President Lukashenko expressed satisfaction over the relations with Nigeria particularly in the area of agriculture and trade relations. He noted that “Belarus considers the Federal Republic of Nigeria as an important and promising foreign economic partner. In our opinion, we are able to significantly add to mutual trade’’. He further assured that the participation of Belarus in themechanization of agriculture in Nigeria, the development of infrastructure and the implementation of joint projects for the extraction of minerals will bring further cooperation to an appreciable level.4. Ambassador Shehu conveyed fraternal greetings from H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to H.E. Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus. He expressed satisfaction with level of cooperation between our two countries and assured the Host President of his dedication and commitment to promote and deepen our bilateral cooperation in different areas for our mutual benefits.5. The Ambassador specifically informed the President that he is fondly referred to as ‘Mr. Agriculture, Mr. Potatoes’ and Nigeria looks forward to his direct assistance and partnership in developing agriculture and mineral resources in Nigeria. He further informed the President that Nigeria with population of over 200 million, is surely the largest market and the right entry point into Africa and urged Belarus to take advantage of the favourable business environment and invest in Nigeria. The President assured of his closest cooperation with Nigeria especially in the field of agriculture and mineral development.6. H.E. Prof. Shehu had upon presentation of copies of his credentials and discussed issues of bilateral cooperation with the host Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Mikalai Barysevich on 2 February, 2022 commenced official engagements in the the Republic of Belarus. The occasion of presentation of Letters of Credence marks the formal commencement of Ambassador Shehu’s duty tour in the Republic of Belarus.Embassy of Nigeria,Moscow, The Russian Federation.3rd February 2022.
