Nigeria and the republic of Switzerland have strengthened bilateral relations to tackle insecurity, fight against trafficking in persons, capacity-building, youth employment, and job creation.
A statement by the Media Adviser to Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs Nkem Anyata- Lafia says it is the focus of the 9th Round of the Annual Process of Political Consultations between the Governments of Nigeria and the Swiss Confederation, in Bern, Switzerland’s capital city.
The meeting, which is also known as “Nigeria-Switzerland Days 2022” discussed the long-standing bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the European country and examined issues of mutual interests bordering on migration and development, peace, and security in Nigeria and the African continent.
The two countries also agreed to deepen ties in fighting corruption and other socio-economic problems.
The delegation led by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, highlighted mutual areas of interest on the global stage and within the contexts of ongoing Nigeria-Switzerland collaboration on security matters, police and prisons/correctional reforms, youths and sports development, and advancement of women’s rights.
“The very robust engagement further addressed our cooperation and partnerships in the human rights space and ecosystems.
“It highlighted mutual areas of interests at the global stage and within the contexts of ongoing Nigeria-Switzerland collaboration on security matters, police and prisons/correctional reforms, youths and sports development, and advancement of women’s rights.
“We agreed on the need for strategic reciprocal support arrangement to promote agreed interests at the UN Human Rights Council, amongst others.
“Both countries stressed the importance of the Universal Periodic Review, as a peer engagement mechanism and tool to be explored for support on identified good causes, as well as deepening collaboration at the UN General Assembly.”
Other Nigerian participants at the event included Ambassador Nicholas Ella, Director Consular and Legal Department; Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Director, ETID; Ambassador Buba Magudu, Nigerian Envoy at Berne, Switzerland; as well as Ambassador Richards Adejola, Permanent Representative of Nigeria in Geneva, Switzerland; and Dr. Ajayi Olajide, Special Adviser to the Permanent Secretary.
It also had in attendance the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu; and the Director-General, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
RN