President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria desires to widen the scope of trade relations with the Republic of Korea beyond gas exports.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with his Korean counterpart, Mr. Yoon Suk-Yeol at the Presidential Palace on the sidelines of the First World Bio Summit, the President called for expansion from the long-term gas contract to other areas.
On piracy in the Gulf of Guinea to which Korean ships had fallen victim, President Buhari noted that the level of attacks had decreased considerably over the last one year, due to the provision of equipment to the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, by the Nigerian government, while also commending the Korean government for the supply of a vessel to the Navy.
In this respect, the President said he looked forward to enhanced defence and security co-operation with the Republic of Korea.
President Buhari, who thanked his Korean counterpart for inviting him to address the World Bio Summit, also appreciated him for expressing sympathy with Nigerians on the flood disaster.
President Suk-Yeol had described Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and cultural powerhouse that had produced huge number of films, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s economic and cultural capabilities would contribute significantly to exchanges and co-operation between both countries.
Both leaders also discussed the need for co-operation at the multilateral level, particularly at the United Nations with South Korea, indicating interest to vie for a seat in the Security Council in 2024, and seeking Nigeria’s support.
The issue of peace on the Korean Peninsula, demilitarisation and denuclearisation of the region also featured in the bilateral talks.
Bello Wakili