Nigeria has expressed its interest in forging closer cooperation and strengthening economic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The message was conveyed to ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh by Nigeria’s new Ambassador to ASEAN, Muhammad Lawal Sulaiman, who presented his credentials to Secretary-General Minh on May 9th.

The Ambassador highlighted Nigeria’s economic potential as one of the largest in Africa with a population of more than 170 million people.

Photo for illustration. Vietnam+

He urged cooperation between ASEAN and the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) while hailing ASEAN’s role in regional peace, order and prosperity.

Meanwhile, Minh briefed the Ambassador on the bloc’s vision on expanding external relations with new partners, including African nations.

He expressed his hope the Ambassador would contribute to fostering cooperation between ASEAN and Nigeria in shared fields and tap the potential for economic and human resources.

They exchanged views on opportunities for cooperation between ASEAN and Nigeria at international forums, such as the United Nations, and in fighting terrorism and drug use.

Source: VNA