The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its longstanding bilateral relations with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) as he received the Ambassador-designate of the DPRK to Nigeria, His Excellency, Jo Yong Sam, on a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Congratulating the Ambassador-designate on his appointment, Ambassador Dunoma assured him of the Ministry’s full support towards the successful discharge of his diplomatic responsibilities and expressed confidence that the cordial relations between both countries, established in 1976, would continue to grow from strength to strength.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s consistent support for Nigeria’s candidatures in international organisations and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peaceful dialogue and diplomatic efforts towards lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He proposed the early resumption of cultural exchanges, including cooperation in film and the creative arts, as well as the convening of the Fifth Session of the Nigeria-DPRK Joint Commission in Pyongyang at a mutually agreed date. He also called for enhanced reciprocal cooperation, including the allocation of land for the construction of a permanent Nigerian Embassy in Pyongyang and greater employment opportunities for Nigerian nationals at the DPRK Embassy in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador-designate Jo Yong Sam commended Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and its growing influence in international affairs. He praised the country’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations as both countries commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The Ambassador-designate further reaffirmed the DPRK’s continued support for Nigeria’s aspirations in international organisations, including its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He also identified visa facilitation as an important area requiring attention to promote greater official exchanges and people-to-people contacts, while proposing the institutionalisation of congratulatory messages between the leaders of both countries on national celebrations and other important occasions as a demonstration of the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the DPRK.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary assured the Ambassador-designate that all issues raised during the meeting, including visa facilitation and the exchange of official messages between the leadership of both countries, would receive appropriate consideration through the relevant government channels.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Nigeria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding engagement in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of both countries.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Friday 17, July 2026
