H.E. PROF. ABDULLAHI SHEHU PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO MR. IVAN ROMANOVSKY, VICE PRESIDENT, LUKOIL
Today, H.E. Professor Abdullahi Y. SHEHU, Ambassador of Nigeria to the Russian Federation paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Ivan Romanovsky, the Vice President of LUKOIL for the Americas, West Africa and Europe. In his remarks, Ambassador Shehu expressed appreciation to LUKOIL for its continued support to the Embassy, while acknowledging that the company remains a strategic partner to Nigeria, as a whole. He underscored the need for LUKOIL to invest in the marketing and retail sector of the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry, as a way to improve the supply of petroleum products in the country.
Concerning the Embassy’s Art Project initiative, Ambassador Shehu recalled that the first edition held in July, 2022 was widely received in Russia and Nigeria. The Ambassador stated that the event has played a crucial role in strengthening the cordial relations between Nigeria and Russia through cultural diplomacy, while providing an opportunity for LUKOIL to demonstrate its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
In conclusion, the Ambassador informed that the second edition of the Art Project will be held within the margins of the forthcoming 2nd Russia – Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, in July, 2023, adding that the event will feature artworks from young Russian and Nigerian artists.
Responding, Mr. Romanovsky described the Embassy as a valued partner of LUKOIL, while acknowledging the robust relations between Russia and Nigeria. He expressed readiness of LUKOIL to partner with the Embassy in organizing future events that are aimed at showcasing the deepness and richness of the Russian – Nigerian cultural relations.
Continuing, Mr. Romanovsky stated that even though LUKOIL is not currently involved in retail operations in the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector, the company remains open for mutually beneficial partnership with the country. Finally, he stressed that the forthcoming Russia – Africa Summit will be critical to expanding the friendly relations between Russia and Africa.
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Moscow
10 February 2023
