NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Venezuela seeks bilateral tourism devt cooperation with Egypt
Foreign

Venezuela seeks bilateral tourism devt cooperation with Egypt

255 total views today

The Venezuelan Ambassador to Egypt, Wilmer Omar Barrientos Fernandez, has emphasised the importance of developing bilateral cooperation with Egypt, a country that aims to increase tourist traffic to 30 million tourists by 2028.

Venezolana de Television, a partner of TV BRICS, repoted Fernandez as  stressing this at a working session with journalists organised by the Venezuelan embassy in Egypt to promote tourism in the South American country.

Venezolana de Television, which cited the press office of the Venezuelan Embassy in Egypt, further reported Fernandez as underscoring the importance of having a communications wing as one of the strategies to be deployed in positioning Venezuela in the global tourism market.

He highlighted Venezuela’s biological and cultural diversity, as well as the Ministry’s Strategic Plan for Tourism 2025-2031, which focuses on the country’s identity and cultural sovereignty.

The ambassador presented Venezuela as a country with great tourism potential, relying on innovation and preserving its identity.

The report indicated that the embassy is organising familiarisation and press tours to bring representatives of the Egyptian tourism sector to Venezuela, including travel agencies, bloggers, influencers, and airlines as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Egypt.

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Chinese envoy says U.S. tariffs may trigger global recession
Foreign

Chinese envoy says U.S. tariffs may trigger global recession

280 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has said that the current U.S. tariff policy could trigger a severe global economic downturn, which could also in turn hurt the U.S. economy.

He gave the warning at a news conference on Friday in Abuja, cautioning that the U.S.’ aggressive trade tactics, which put maximum pressure on its trading partners, could ultimately backfire.

According to him, the U.S. is essentially working against itself because the ongoing tariff battle may harm the interests of the U.S., as well as its allies.

Citing insights from some U.S. intellectuals, Yu pointed out that many of the challenges facing the U.S. were the result of its internal conflicts.

Yu stressed the importance of focusing on addressing domestic issues rather than attributing blame to external entities.

He decried the impact of the U.S.’ isolationist approach and zero-sum games on the global stage, and its potentially severe consequences.

“By disregarding international cooperation and escalating the trade conflict, the U.S. runs the risk of fueling inflation.

“This will undermine its industrial sector, instigate market upheaval, thereby heightening the possibility of an impending economic recession,” he said.

He cited economic indicators in the U.S., such as a recent CBS survey showing significant opposition to tariffs among American voters and a notable spike in inflation rates, particularly food items.

Yu noted that Goldman Sachs’ revised projections of an increased likelihood of a U.S. recession further underscored the gravity of the situation.

He added that global institutions like the International Monetary Fund had also issued warnings that U.S. tariffs could lead to a substantial reduction in global economic growth.

This, he said, would negatively impact trade volumes and disproportionately affect developing nations, particularly African countries.

The ambassador also critisised the U.S. for targeting African nations under what he described as the false premise that trade surpluses were tantamount to unfair practices.

He noted that such actions would culminate in adverse consequences, including currency devaluation and market instability across the African continent.

Yu said that the potential consequences of such tariffs on African economies could impede their growth trajectories.

He added that these would pose challenges to ongoing industrialisation and poverty alleviation efforts, ultimately jeopardising the progress of the continent.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Ethiopian diplomat announces country’s intention to join NDB soon
Foreign

Ethiopian diplomat announces country’s intention to join NDB soon

321 total views today

Ethiopian ambassador to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese Abebe, says his country’s accession to the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) is one of the priorities for the current year.

Abebe said in an interview published on the website of Brazil’s BRICS Chairmanship, a partner of TV BRICS, that already,  an application for the membership has been submitted.

“We are fully committed to integrating all the group’s mechanisms and arrangements.

“One of the most important pillars in the BRICS family is the New Development Bank.

“We have already received political support from all BRICS members and hope to conclude our adherence process very soon,” the ambassador emphasised.

According to him, after joining the NDB, attention will be directed to priority sectors – agriculture, energy, and industry.

Speaking about the contribution of the African Union to BRICS, Abebe indicated that Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt are promoting the interests of the countries on the continent in the field of inclusive and sustainable development within the group.

“The African Union has common stances on various themes, including artificial intelligence —one of the priorities of the Brazilian BRICS presidency.

“So we can also speak with one voice to defend this agenda.

”Within the BRICS platform, we can promote Africa as a destination for trade, investments, and tourism,” the diplomat added.

Earlier, NDB Vice President Vladimir Kazbekov, at a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, expressed the bank’s readiness to engage in the country’s projects in the fields of clean energy, transport, water supply, and digital infrastructure.

The New Development Bank was established in 2014 to support sustainable development initiatives in BRICS countries.

Since its creation, the bank has already financed major projects in the Global South. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Trade between Egypt, Saudi Arabia reaches .98bn in 2024 – Official data
Foreign

Trade between Egypt, Saudi Arabia reaches $15.98bn in 2024 – Official data

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Economic relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia witnessed significant growth in 2024, with the total volume of trade exchange reaching U.S.$15.98 billion, official data released by the Saudi Ministry of Investment indicated.

This figure represents a 29 per cent increase compared to the previous year, as reported by Sada El-Balad, a partner of TV BRICS.

The Kingdom continues to advance its efforts to stimulate investment by developing five new Special Economic Zones, focusing on key non-oil sectors, according to the official report.

These zones, the report added, are dedicated to industries such as cloud computing, logistics, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, food production, mining, and pharmaceuticals.

Furthermore, the Saudi officials reported that 7,000 investment licences were granted to Egyptian investors, contributing to the creation of 80,000 job opportunities in Saudi Arabia. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

U.S. seeks Rwandan forces’ withdrawal from occupied DRC territory
Foreign

U.S. seeks Rwandan forces’ withdrawal from occupied DRC territory

280 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The U.S. Government has called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) occupied territory, and urged the alleged Rwandan-backed M23 rebels to declare a ceasefire.

U.S. Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, made the appeal at a digital news conference following a four-nation East-African trip to DRC, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

According to him, the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from DRC, and laying down of arms by the M23 rebels are crucial to ending the war in the war-ravaged DRC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Boulos’ visit aimed at supporting efforts to achieve durable peace in eastern DRC, exploring and preserving U.S. private sector investment in the subregion.

DRC has been plagued by conflict for decades, with over 120 armed groups active in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, including the M23, which has killed and displaced thousands.

The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which deployed forces to curb the escalating conflict, recently withdrew them, raising concerns about a deepening security vacuum.

Responding to questions on the way out of the deteriorating situation in the Congo, Boulos insisted that war was not the solution to the conflict but dialogue and peace.

The U.S. envoy said that at the moment, an opportunity for peace presented itself, like never before, and urged all parties involved to take bolder steps to make that a reality.

“The U.S. position is that the M23 must lay down their arms, and Rwandan forces must withdraw from the DRC.

“I will also reiterate our position that Rwanda should cease all military support for M23 and withdraw all Rwandan troops from DRC territory.

“We all know that this can only be resolved peacefully. This is not and cannot be won and cannot be concluded with force. This has to be resolved through dialogue and peacefully,” he said.

Boulos disclosed that negotiations between the DRC government and M23 toward achieving a broader peace process had already begun, and expressed optimism that the outcome would be positive.

He appreciated the recent dialogue held by DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi and the M-23 for the first time, saying it was a good step that was successful and fruitful by all counts.

Boulos lauded the EAC, SADC, AU and ECOWAS for their mediation efforts, while also expressing optimism about an AU-led peace process.

“With regards to the EAC and SADC, ECOWAS and the African Union, we highly appreciate their efforts. They’ve been trying and doing their best for a very long time, for many years.

“We are looking forward to building on this towards achieving a final peace and a lasting peace and full stability in the DRC and in the region.

“I must say that ECOWAS, although it’s West Africa, has been a major and key player in the continent, especially with regard to peacekeeping missions and many other things,” he said.

Boulos also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to long-term economic partnerships in Africa, adding that U.S. involvement in the region was not aimed at countering other competing powers like China.

He emphasised that the U.S.’ recent mineral supply chain agreements in DRC were not exclusive to the country but also included neighbouring countries like Angola, Zambia.

These, he explained, were part of broader efforts to diversify critical mineral sources and counter over-reliance on single markets, which would mutually serve U.S. and DRC’s national strategic interests.(NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Tuggar underscores Nigeria’s role in protecting, promoting Africa’s foreign policy
Foreign

Tuggar underscores Nigeria’s role in protecting, promoting Africa’s foreign policy

302 total views today
By Fortune Abang
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has underscored the importance of Nigeria maintaining a central role in protecting and promoting Africa’s foreign policy in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Tuggar delivered this message in his keynote address during the inaugural session of the Agora Policy Forum, with the theme, “Nigeria’s Foreign Policy at a Time of Global Uncertainty,” held in Abuja.The forum serves as a platform for dialogue on key policy issues critical to national and global development.

According to the minister, Nigeria’s foreign policy carries significant implications not only for the country and the African continent but also for the broader international system.

“We are gathered here at a time when the international order is undergoing significant transformation, geopolitical tensions, economic realignments, rising tariffs, and trade wars,” Tuggar stated.

He added, “Security threats, climate change, and technological disruptions are reshaping the global landscape in ways that demand strategic recalibration from all nations.

“Traditional assumptions about democracy and markets are increasingly being challenged by both state and non-state actors.”

As Africa’s most populous country and a major economic and diplomatic force, Tuggar said Nigeria must uphold its values, commitment to democratic freedoms, and embrace diversity while navigating global complexities with foresight, pragmatism, and resilience.

He lamented the rise in armed conflicts, economic inflation, the disruptive impact of new technologies, and climate change—all of which had disproportionately affected Africa in spite of the continent’s minimal contribution to global emissions.

The minister stressed that Nigeria’s foreign policy must remain dynamic, prioritise national interests, and actively engage with the international community to achieve its objectives.

“If diplomacy is war by other means, then the devastating consequences of conflict should at least partially reflect a failure of diplomacy,” he said.

“We must invest in diplomatic capacity and exhaust every available avenue, because the alternatives are far worse.

“It is our responsibility, as a regional power, to be a voice for Africa and contribute to shaping a modern, dynamic global order that reflects both our national and shared interests,” he noted.

Tuggar added that diplomacy must remain a fundamentally human process, even as global security increasingly leaned on technology and military hardware.

While strong defence capabilities can strengthen negotiation, he cautioned that force should only be a last resort.

“Sequencing is everything,” he stressed. “Lives and livelihoods depend on it.”

Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s foreign policy as being rooted in Africa, supported by principles of non-alignment, economic diplomacy, and multilateralism.

He called for renewed efforts in pursuing strategic autonomy, regional stability, and sustainable growth through robust foreign policy engagement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
FG urges Ethiopia to expedite action towards signing of agreement on prisoner exchange
Foreign

FG urges Ethiopia to expedite action towards signing of agreement on prisoner exchange

278 total views today
By Fortune Abang
The Federal Government on Thursday urged the government of Ethiopia to expedite action towards the signing of the agreement on the exchange of sentenced persons to advance the ties between both countries.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call at a meeting in Abuja with Amb. Legesse Haile, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria.
She expressed the Federal Government’s displeasure over the series of embarrassment and harassment suffered by Nigerians, including those with Official and Diplomatic Passports in Addis Ababa.
According to her, Nigeria has concluded reflection on the Ethiopian observations in the draft MoU on the Exchange of Sentenced Persons between both countries, asking why the signing of the MoU was delayed even when assurances had been given by Ethiopian officials at a meeting held on March 6, 2025.
The minister reiterated concern over the plight of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopia, who she said had been denied access to medical care, among other challenges.
She expressed dismay over the case of a Nigerian who died recently in an Ethiopian prison, stating that as a government deeply committed to the welfare of its citizens, Nigeria would not cherish a repeat of that kind of incident.
“Our people don’t want to hear that another Nigerian inmate died in an Ethiopian prison,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
She decried delay in returning of monies seized from Nigerian businessmen by Ethiopian government, even after the country’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, had at the 40th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union held in February, 2022, granted amnesty to all African travellers.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described such travellers as those whose monies were seized at the Bole International Airport, due to non-declaration of the amount over and above three thousand U.S. dollars, as provided by then, Ethiopian law.
Also, that out of the 25 Nigerians whose monies were seized as at the time, only 15 had been approved for refund, due to stringent conditions by the Ethiopian side for the refunds, yet only two persons had actually been refunded.
The minister cited the pathetic case of one Mr Francis Uzoh, whose 70,000 dollars was seized by Ethiopian authorities, amidst meeting all the conditions, Uzoh was yet to be refunded since 2022.
Uzoh, according to her, has consequently become desolate, homeless, abandoned by family, hugely indebted and a shadow of his former self.
The minister, therefore, urged the Ethiopian envoy to press for a last chance to refund Uzoh’s 70,000 dollars, while he is still alive, saying so they don’t use the money to bury him when he has gone.
She stressed visa waiver for holders of Official and Diplomatic Passports was tied to Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed between both countries and that, following what Nigerians faced in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was unilaterally withdrawing without notifying Nigeria.
This, according to her, posed great concern because Addis Ababa is a hub and that many Nigerians have adopted Ethiopian Airline as the airline of choice.
She, however, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ethiopia, assuring that the 4th Session of Nigeria-Ethiopia Joint Commission would soon hold in Abuja.
Responding, Haile said that the visa waiver agreement was still in place, explaining it needed ratification by the country’s House of Representatives.
According to him, the embassy has issued visas to Nigerians with official and diplomatic passports.
He stated that problems only arise when visa applicants are with the regular passport.
“The issue of Visa on Arrival has neither been withdrawn nor abrogated.
“The Ethiopian government views the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a very strategic partner,” Haile said.
The envoy expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for the additional seven slots recently approved for the Ethiopian Airline on the Lagos route. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Yashim
Analysts express mixed feelings over U.S. tariff
Foreign

Analysts express mixed feelings over U.S. tariff

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Analysts have expressed mixed feelings over the U.S. 90-day reciprocal tariff for all countries except China.

This is against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariff reprieve, amidst stock market’s bond investors worry over sell-off in the U.S.

Speaking during global trade virtual session on Thursday, trade experts stated that treasury securities signal deepening concerns about the stability of U.S. Fiscal policy and the reliability of its commitments.

They explained that the policy pronouncement on electronics, including smartphones and semiconductors were initially exempted from 125 per cent tariffs imposed on Chinese imports.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that the 80-year period U.S. embraced global economic leadership, forged alliances rooted in trust, mutual respect, championed free and open exchange of goods and services is over.

According to Carney, Ottawa slapped retaliatory tariffs on all American-made vehicle imports not covered by free trade deals in response.

Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato noted that close allies refused to play Washington’s tariff‑tug‑of‑war game, saying Japan is holdings U.S. government debt estimated to form bulk of its 1.27 trillion dollars.

“The funds in foreign reserves are managed strictly for monetary policy purposes, not as instruments of foreign policy,” Kato said.

The Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe said the Euro has a clear path to becoming a dominant global reserve currency.

According to him, domestically, the political calculus surrounding Trump’s tariffs reveals a deepening paradox between his narrative and economic reality.

“While the 90-day tariff reprieve temporarily placated Wall Street financiers and Silicon Valley tech giants, it has left agricultural heartlands and Rust Belt manufacturing hubs mired in uncertainty.

“Low and middle-income Americans will feel the most burdens, as per some who criticise the abrupt and chaotic execution.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Nigeria, South Africa sign mining cooperation deal
Foreign

Nigeria, South Africa sign mining cooperation deal

264 total views today

By Martha Agas

Nigeria and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost mining cooperation, focusing on investment, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer between both nations.

The agreement was signed in Abuja by Dr Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and Mr Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.

Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said the MoU was part of efforts to strengthen ties under the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission framework.

Tomori noted the agreement sets out specific areas of collaboration, alongside defined implementation timelines for joint activities and engagements in the mining sector.

“Both ministers pledged ongoing engagement to advance intra-African trade and implement practical steps outlined in the agreement,” Tomori said.

They also expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would significantly strengthen the mining industries of both countries through shared expertise and innovation.

Key highlights include capacity building in geological methods using UAVs, and application of spectral remote sensing technologies for mineral exploration and mapping.

Other areas cover geoscientific data sharing via the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, training in mineral processing, and value addition initiatives.

The MoU also supports capacity building in elemental fingerprinting with LA-ICP-MS, and joint exploration of agro and energy minerals within Nigeria.

Alake emphasised that the bilateral cooperation holds promise for industrialisation, employment generation, and sustainable economic development across the African continent.

“The agreement on geology, mining, and mineral processing will foster knowledge exchange, promote investment, and encourage regional integration,” the minister affirmed.

He reiterated Nigeria’s focus on developing its mining sector, noting mutual benefits through mineral wealth and South Africa’s technological expertise.

According to Alake, this synergy will attract investments, build skills, and help diversify Nigeria’s economy for long-term growth and stability. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Nigeria, Niger strengthen bilateral cooperation through joint commission
Foreign

Nigeria, Niger strengthen bilateral cooperation through joint commission

315 total views today

By Fortune Abang

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Niger have signed a communiqué aimed at reviving and strengthening cooperation between the two countries through the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC).

The communiqué was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and his Nigerien counterpart, Mr Bakary Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad.

Tuggar made the announcement through by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, following his working visit to Niamey, the capital of Niger.

He explained that the meeting focused on discussions to examine the challenges facing both countries and addressed major current issues at the sub-regional, regional, and international levels.

According to Tuggar, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of the economy and security.

The two ministers also deliberated on various issues of mutual interest aimed at fostering closer relations between the people and governments of Niger and Nigeria.

They emphasised the importance of continued joint efforts to counter terrorism along their shared border and agreed to maintain collaboration between their respective defence ministries.

The ministers also reviewed ongoing joint infrastructure projects, including the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic project, as part of efforts to enhance regional integration.

Additionally, they agreed to expand cooperation across socio-political, economic, scientific, and cultural spheres, consolidate existing gains, and revitalise the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC).

A proposal was also made to establish a Joint Consultative Forum to facilitate dialogue among key stakeholders from both countries, addressing shared challenges and opportunities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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