Saudi Arabian Ambassador Savours Growing Diplomatic Relation With Nigeria

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Adnan Bin Mahmoud Bostaji has commended the growing cordial diplomatic relation that has existed between his country and Nigeria, especially, from 1960 when Nigeria attained Independence.

Speaking in Abuja, Nigeria, at a get-together with foreign diplomats and prominent Nigerians, including the minister of State for foreign Affairs, Khadijat Bukar Abba Ibrahim, to mark Saudi National Day, which was observed in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, September 23, Ambassador Bostaji said that his country was one of the first nations to engage in full diplomatic relation with Nigeria immediately after the Independence in 1960.

“Prior to that, relationship had existed in an informal way, dating back to hundreds of years when Muslim pilgrims embarked on tough journeys to the city of Mecca and Madinah for pilgrimage. At some points throughout the late 18^th century, however, the relations shifted more towards formality when emissaries conveyed letters, gifts and messages on both sides from the Sultans and men in authority.”

Ambassador Bostaji recalled that the history of Saudi Arabia has been characterized by the dynamism, adaptability and resilience of its people, adding that over the years, the country had grown to be a global powerhouse in both energy and Islam, to which attention was accorded by the last United Nations Human Development index “as being in the first rank when it comes to a very high level of human development.”

He said that the country ranked 38^th amongst the world’s nations even as he said that at the moment, Saudi Arabia houses no fewer than 50 public and private universities with students whose number cuts across both gender at almost equal proportion.

“Saudi Arabia is a responsible member of International Community and lives up to all its commitments in establishing global peace and security, as well as its respect for international norms and conventions, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and non-interference in States’ internal affairs. It frowns at all kinds of terrorism and is globally active in combating it.”