The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, KIM Pankyu, has stated his country’s readiness to assist Nigeria in overcoming its security challenges.
Speaking in a media parley in Abuja, Pankyu said Korea is exploring avenues of assisting Nigeria. He pledged to work toward expanding the partnership between the two countries for mutual benefit.
Pankyu informed that Korea had at different times offered capacity-building programmes for the Nigerian military and other security agencies toward enhancing their capabilities.
He said, “I intend to expand this kind of opportunities for Nigeria. I believe that counter-terrorism courses and training programmes are useful for Nigerian military officers.
“We will also explore ways to have the Nigerian Government to keep itself with proper hardware. The Korean navy has donated a patrol ship which will arrive in Lagos in few months. And I will explore ways to expand this kind of assistance.
“I will also explore ways to deepen the security cooperation to assist the country address insecurity. I will do that by using my expertise in military and security affairs which saw me through in my 40 years in the Korean Navy.
“On this, I would also like to focus on promoting corporation on maritime security. Because, securing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea will essentially benefit many countries, including Korea.
“In addition, I would like to expand Korean support of capacity building for Nigerian Military and security Officers,” Pankyu said.
The Korea envoy said Nigeria remained a strong Korean partner in Africa. He, however, added that the two countries can do more together.
Pankyu lauded Nigerian Government for introducing reforms toward improving the business environment in the country.
He said, “I will explain these changes to Korean companies. And I will encourage them to venture into Nigeria and make investments.
“I will facilitate a people-to-people exchange between Nigeria and Korea. Because I believe that culture has the power to connect people and improve understanding among them.”
Pankyu, however, commended the Korean Culture Centre in Nigeria for playing significant roles in introducing Korean Culture to Nigerians. He, therefore, promised to provide opportunities to Nigerians to experience the Korean content.
The Envoy also promised to explore avenues of increasing study slots for Nigerians wishing to study in the Republic of Korea.
He said that the Korean Government had provided support toward food self-sufficiency in Africa through various projects like the K-Rice Belt Initiative to enhance high yield and food security on the continent.
“We have signed Memorandum of Understanding with 10 African Countries to promote K-Rice Belt Projects. Nigeria’s joining this project is being discussed and when it is realized, it will surely contribute to its agriculture sector,” he said.
The Envoy said that the Korea-Africa Summit slated for June in Seoul, Korea, would help solidify the relationship between Korea and Africa and also Korea and Nigeria.
“The inaugural Korea-Africa Summit is expected to be the largest international gathering. This reflects Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol’s commitment to fostering mutually, beneficial, sustainable and strategic partnerships with Africa.
“This also marks significant steps in Korea’s comprehensive strategy to engage deeply with the global South, reflecting our commitment to global inclusiveness and cooperation.
“During the Summit, we will host many side events, and provide opportunities for Nigeria and Korea. This, he said, will help to explore ways to expand their bilateral economic and cultural exchange between government and private sector.
“I’m positive and believe that the coming Summit will set a new milestone in the relationship between Korea and Africa,” Pankyu said.
On sport, Pankyu said Korean people were largely Super Eagles fans. He said they enjoyed their superlative performance in international tournaments.
“The Korean people know Wole Soyinka, the literary Icon and they know the role of Nigeria in peacekeeping in Africa,” he said.
source: NAN