Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday sought for greater diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea.
A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu said Ekweremadu spoke when he received the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Noh Kyu-duk, in his office in Abuja.
Ekweremadu noted that Nigeria and the Republic of Korea share some political history development ideas.
He commended the Republic of Korea for its support towards the socio-economic development of Nigeria, especially in education, Information and Communications Technology, agriculture, and manpower development through the Korea International Development Agency, KOICA.
He however called for more South Korean investment in Nigeria, noting that efforts had been made by Nigeria to boost infrastructure and make the nation’s business environment more conducive.
He assured that Nigeria would address a few lingering concerns of the South Korean business interests in Nigeria such as double taxation and issues in the oil and gas sector.
Ekweremadu noted that parliamentary diplomacy between their national parliaments had enhanced bilateral relations and would be sustained for their mutual benefits.
“No doubt, the Nigeria/Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group remains one of our major strides in bilateral cooperation, and I assure you that we will continue to strengthen this union for the good of our nations”, he added.
Earlier, the Ambassador, Noh Kyu-duk, reiterated the need for greater economic and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Kyu-duk, who was accompanied by the Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission, Taeho Uhm, pledged the continued support of the people and government of South Korea towards Nigeria’s development.
While congratulating the new leadership of the Nigerian National Assembly, he hoped that the parliamentary relations between their countries would receive a boost under the new leadership.