By David Onimisi Lawani
The diplomatic mission of North Korea in Nigeria led by its Ambassador, Jon Tong Chol has said it will continue to maintain bilateral relations with Nigeria has come a long way as a people with unique interests.

Jon Tong Chol made this assertion when he paid a visit to the office of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Abuja, stressing that both countries share ties of independence together.

He stated that Kpenyong is committed to strengthening developing ideas with Nigeria as the Congress of workers party in Korea is committed to ideals that will promote the economic development of both nations.

According to him, ” Our two countries have longstanding relations of friendship and cooperation. The leaders of the two countries and their people rejoin with the creative achievements which both countries are making. And have exchanged high-level delegations. High-level government delegations visited Nigeria to celebrate the first democracy day last year.

” The government and the party of the people’s republic of Korea prioritizes developing bilateral ties with the federal republic of Nigeria. The central committee of the worker’s party of Korea has congratulated the recent achievements of the APC and the national committee of the APC has replied to the congratulatory message.

” We hope to seize this momentum to take our bilateral ties between the two ruling countries to a great level. The ruling party of Korea, the worker’s party has a history of 75 years. The worker’s party of Korea has put forth the policy of independence and led our people to victory. The policy of independence is something we share in common, he said.

He said further that Nigeria and North Korea have shared a lot in common, noting that the recent party registration was a huge success.

Sanwo-olu commissioned Yaba Bus Terminal

” I have followed closely the recent registration of membership of the party and it turned out to be a great success. And we rejoiced in this success. The increase in the membership shows the popularity of the party and also the just policies of the policy of the party. We cannot think of the success without your efforts in attending this meeting. I hope that the party achieves greater success in taking the Nigerian people to the next level.

” The policy of the ruling party, the APC has always remained central and is proving its vitality in the recent time. And this has become the foundation for developing bilateral ties between the two parties.

“We believe that exchange and cooperation between the two countries through cooperation can avail us more. We cannot develop a relationship of cooperation through more ways and thoughts. Engagement and exchange are very important in developing bilateral ties.

He reiterated that all the parties have their challenges especially when one is pursuing policies of independence. ” We are facing similar challenges. Right now, we are under sanctions by the outside forces. But our people and members of the party believe we will emerge victorious as long as we pursue the policy of independence.

” This is a very important time when the party should join hands to face its challenges together. We look forward to working with APC in the future.

He said the historic events of the worker’s party have been held in January this year, adding that the Republic of North Korea is ready to forge ties with other nations often world despite its not a satisfactory relationship with Nigeria a few years back.

He said: ” And after Congress, his excellency, King Jun Hun has been elected the general secretary of the workers union of Korea. And the central committee has set fort plans for bilateral ties with other political parties in different countries.

” And the ruling party in Nigeria, APC is one of the parties is we wish to develop bilateral ties. Nigeria is the only country that has its diplomatic mission physically present in kpenyong. This is a demonstration that both countries are ready to advance and strengthen their bilateral ties.

” However, the interaction between the two parties was not at a satisfactory level in recent years. I am happy to inform you that I will report this meeting to the central committee of the worker’s party of Korea immediately.
” Report that I have engaged hopefully with the party’s committee of the APC. I look forward to engaging with the Committee often in the future for the benefit of the two political parties and for the benefit of the two countries. I look forward to your personal support and relations at a personal level as well”, he noted.

The National Secretary, John James Akpanudoedehe in his remarks during the visit by Korean Ambassador and his team said he offers the sincere apologies of the National Chairman who is unavoidably absent due to urgent State engagement.

Alleged fraud: Court fixes June 23 for EFCC to re-arraign FIRS officials, ex-directors

He said: ” The APC is the ruling party in Nigeria and is the largest political party in Africa going by figures of its just-concluded membership registration. We stand at over 40, million registered members.

” The bilateral relationship between Nigeria and DPRK goes as far back as 1976, and in recent times, our two countries have collaborated in the area of education and technological development. Our two political parties and our two countries can do a lot more together than would mutually benefit our people, our political parties, and indeed our entire country Nigeria.

” We, therefore, look forward to more robust engagement between our countries and even on political parties basis. And of note, there is something you have said, we draw strength by what you said concerning challenges where

people with different opinions who want to impose their opinions on our own freedom and independence. So we draw strength from that and also so we appreciate the relationship”, he said.